Julio G. Contreras, Sr.

Julio G. Contreras, Sr., age 85, of Erie, MI went to be with the Lord on Sunday, December 8, 2013 at Aspen Grove Assisted Living Center. He was born on December 20, 1927 to Victor and Merejilda (Guzman) Contreras in Sabinal, Texas. Julio was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving his country proudly during the end of WWII. He loved gardening and was an avid fan of the Detroit Tigers and Michigan Wolverines. Julio enjoyed Mexican music and dancing at the Luna Pier Ballroom with his wife. He coached baseball for many years and helped form a Mexican- American baseball league; having a team in Erie, the Erie Orioles. Julio loved nothing more than the time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 64 years, Sixta; brother, Damas Ortiz; and sister-in-law, Lupe Contreras. Julio is survived by his loving children, Ernesto (Soila), Gloria (Neo) Longoria, Edmundo (Eva), Anita (Ismael) Vargas, Raquel (Mark) Stanovich, Rebecca (Tony Perales), Irma (Bud) Gillespie, Julio, Jr. (Christine), Irene (Dan) Dougherty; 22 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; brothers, Pablo Contreras, Monico (Mary) Ortiz, Fred (Lolie) Ortiz, Santiago (Rebecca) Ortiz, Alfredo Ortiz, Alex Ortiz and Mario (Amelia) Ortiz; and many other relatives and dear friends.
The family will receive guests on Thursday from 5 – 8:00 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home, 4150 W. Laskey Rd., Toledo (419-473-0300) and again on Friday from 3 – 8:00 p.m. in the funeral home. Mass of Christian Burial will take place Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 2214 Manhattan St., Erie, MI with visitation one hour prior in the church. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.

The family would like to give a special thank you to all of the staff and caregivers at Hospice of Northwest Ohio and Aspen Grove Assisted Living Center for all of their love, care and support given to Julio and his family through this difficult time.

Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider Hospice of Northwest Ohio.