Rodolfo Contreras , 69, of Phoenix, Arizona, passed on October 10, 2021. Rodolfo "Rudy" aka: "Boss" aka: "Compa," was born on March 24, 1952. He would say unfortunately, but we were all pretty fortunate to have him around.

I would like to preface this by saying he would be pissed and ask me why I’m even writing this, but the family insisted.

Rudy was a man who was extremely full of life. Most of his time was spent making those around him laugh by telling stories, off-the-wall raunchy and inappropriate jokes, or mocking and teasing his wife Barbara, who was always, and still is, complaining about something. His stories were usually equally as inappropriate and impractical as his jokes, but you knew that in some way or another, there was always something valuable to be taken from them.

He thoroughly enjoyed baking and decorating cupcakes and cakes, whether for family gatherings, or simply just because he felt like it. The best part about this was you never had to wait until your birthday for it. Ninja Turtle cakes were the most commonly made, but he was definitely most proud of his Cupcake Ice-Cream Cones. According to him, the secret to a good cake was, “Don’t use that shit!” And by that “shit,” he meant vegetable oil. I don’t know if that’s true; he definitely was not a professional. I’m actually pretty certain he was just winging it most of the time, but he sure in the hell could put out a good cake. Do what you will with that info.

Other hobbies included spending time with his family, jamming to music, collecting Coca Cola memorabilia (along with consuming insane amounts of it), not knowing when to stop working, hoarding "junk" (as his wife would call it) that he was going to use later, but would never use later. He also got a kick out of reading newspaper comics while on the toilet, putting together sketchy and unstable projects, letting the television watch him as he slept, calling everyone by the wrong name, and blowing up his boiled eggs.

You couldn’t help but love him for each and every single one of these things because all of them brought him joy in one way or another, and that alone is enough for anyone.

Rudy was by far one of the most selfless humans to grace our planet. He was constantly giving to anyone in need, even if it meant he was left with nothing. He never believed in taking anything too seriously, and has left behind some pretty important philosophies and life lessons: One, Life is not meant to be lived dwelling in the past or wasted on being angry. Two, there is value in everything, even what others would consider trash. Three, be grateful for the life you have because there is always someone who has it worse. Four, always act out of personal integrity and forgive those who have harmed you. Lastly, everything tastes better drowning in lemon juice and Louisiana Hot Sauce.

He has truly made an everlasting impact on so many lives. Men admired his incredible work ethic and Old Spice swag, and women found him more attractive than the bargain prices at Ross.

He was a man who did what he wanted to do, laughed inappropriately at every chance, and fixed nothing. He spent more time breaking things than fixing them. But he tried, and we love him for that.

He carried amazing energy everywhere he went, gifted so many with genuine smiles, and sure knew how to brighten a dark room. Unfortunately, most of the time nobody ever knew what he was talking about since he had a spotty memory for names and words, and referred to everything as a “Chingadera.” If you know, you know. If you don’t, well neither did we.
Again, we loved him for that.

As a family we are hoping he can rest peacefully, since his stubborn attitude didn’t allow it while he was alive.

He is survived by his beloved and stressed out Wife of 48 years, Barbara Contreras.
His daughters Caren Medina-Barrientos, Melinda Medina-Cole, Elizabeth Borneman, Victoria Robles, Sarah Contreras, and son Michael Corral; along with their spouses.

He leaves behind a total of 29 wonderful grandchildren, and 19 great grandchildren.

Rudy is also survived by sisters, Connie Celaya Contreras, Annie Contreras, Luisa Contreras, Francisca Silva, Mariana Contreras and brothers Juan Campos, Lorenzo Contreras, Louis Contreras, and Miguel Contreras.

This is a Mexican family, so there is too many other family members to list. But please know he loved you all, and knew he was deeply loved in return.

Rudy was also a descendant of the infamous Pancho Villa... or maybe not; We all know he liked to tell stories. He also said that The Devil Went Down to Georgia once, but I'm pretty sure he was just quoting his favorite song.

Memorial Service will be held on October 27, 2021 @ Eastlake Mortuary on 1715 E. Jefferson St., Phx, Az, 85034 between 6:00 - 7:30pm.

We ask in lieu of flowers, to kindly donate blankets of all shapes and sizes, or anything that can be given to help the less fortunate and the homeless.