Anthony Payan Contreras

Anthony Payan Contreras, beloved husband, grandfather (GPop), and friend to all,  passed away May 17, 2024 with his family by his side. Tony was born in Fresno, CA to his parents Olivia Payan and Tony Contreras.

Tony graduated from Edison high School in Fresno and immediately after graduating in 1955, he enlisted in the Navy and served on the USS Nereus (AS-17). He received an Honorable Discharge in 1958, three days before his 21st birthday.

Tony married his wife Emily Contreras (née Muñoz) in 1958 and started their family. In 1963 Tony went back to school and graduated from Fresno Sate with his Bachelor of Arts with emphasis in Psychology, and Master’s of Arts with emphasis in Rehabilitation Counseling. Tony worked for the California State of Rehabilitation for 34 years where he diligently advocated for establishing access and equal opportunities for minorities and disabled individuals. 

Tony loved the outdoors, skiing, cycling, kayaking and everywhere he went, he carried his camera with him. Photography was his passion and he loved to photograph friends, models, musicians, weddings, nature, events and of course family. His photography skills were always on display as the official photographer for Breathe California Sacramento.

Tony is preceded in death by his mother Olivia Payan Castillo and step father Louis Castillo. Tony is survived by his wife of 65 years Emily Contreras. Children, Elizabeth Contreras, Matthew Contreras (Diane), Zachary Contreras (Suzette). Grandchildren, Melina Paiz (Victor), Anthony Contreras, Zachary Contreras (Molly), Zane Contreras and Jackson Contreras and his 3 great grandchildren.

Services

Wednesday, June 5, 2024
Price Funeral Chapel
1:00PM-2:00PM Visitation
2:00PM-3:00PM Services
6335 Sunrise Blvd, Citrus Heights, CA 95610

Military Burial
Thursday June 6, 2024
Sacramento Valley National Cemetery
10:30AM-11:00AM
5810 Midway Road, Dixon, Ca 95620

Celebration of Life
Thursday June 6, 2024
VFW Post 6158
2:00PM-6:00PM
8990 Kruithof Way, Fair Oaks, Ca 95628

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Anthony Payan Contreras, please visit our floral store.