Anthony Roman Contreras

After a long battle with cancer Anthony “Tony” Roman Contreras (54 years old) died peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on January 27, 2021. He was a long resident of Long Beach, California and is survived by his loving wife, Jennifer Contreras, his dogs Marvando, Frederico, and Francisco, sister Cynthia Alardo (Phil), mother in-law Judith Foreman, brother in-law Michael Foreman (Susan), niece Nicolette Paulson (James), nephews Phillip (Matthew) Lust, Anthony Alardo, Andrew and William Foreman, grandniece Arianna Paulson and grandnephew Isaiah Paulson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Armando ‘Pop’ and Diana Contreras, father-in-law Marvin Foreman, ‘brother like’ friend Brian Collette, and his other dogs Girth, Guido, and Guadalupe.

Tony was born on February 9, 1966 in Westminster, CA to Armando and Diana Contreras. The family lived in Westminster until 1971, when they moved to College Park in Seal Beach, CA. Tony’s favourite color was orange, which is how as a child he chose the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as his NFL team due to their creamsicle jerseys. Tony was lucky enough to have two other important Mom-like figures in his life – his sister, Cynthia, whom he loved camping and spending time with, and Connie Collette whom he loved spending time with in the Lake Havasu area. Tony attended Rush Elementary, St., Hedwig Catholic School, St. John Bosco, Los Alamitos High School, Long Beach City college (in which he was a member of Tong) and Brooks College where he earned an Associate of Arts degree in graphic design. After graduation, he put his creative talents to work in the commercial film and advertising industry. Tony also was a certified professional trainer and loved to help people get into shape.

Tony married Jennifer Foreman Contreras on August 14, 1999. They lived in Redondo Beach, CA, until 2000, when they purchased their first home in Long Beach, CA; in 2012 they purchased and moved to an almost 100 year old home in Belmont Heights in which Tony and ‘Pop’ enjoyed time together restoring. He and his wife Jennifer travelled all over the world together by themselves, with friends and with coworkers and made many friends globally. Tony was an avid photographer and videographer who loved to take and share colorful pictures of his favourite subjects – his wife Jennifer, their dogs, his 1968 Ford F100 pickup truck, and their global travels. He loved riding his Dutch bike and E Bike for miles, whether it be locally or internationally, for fun or for transportation. Tony had a green thumb and loved gardening.

Tony was a lover of bright colors, colorful Stance socks, fun, adventure and experiencing the world.

Due to the COVID-19 epidemic, a public service / celebration of life will be held at a future date, yet to be determined. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer a donation to one of the below charities:

• The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation ( https://themmrf.org )
• The City of Hope ( https://www.cityofhope.org/donate-in-honor-or-in-memory )
• Pets for Vets ( https://www.petsforvets.com )

Luyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401