Eusabio A. Contreras

Eusabio (Chevo) Apodaca Contreras passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family in Albuquerque on Sunday, December 20, 2020 after a long and courageous battle with a dibilitating illness.  Chevo was the Contreras family patriarch as well as a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.

Chevo leaves behind many loved ones to honor his life and memory.  He is survived by his devoted wife, Lydia of 54 years and their two sons: Joseph and Daniel Contreras; three grandchildren:  Jasmine Contreras (Edmonds, Washington), Fabia and Liam Contreras from Albuquerque; five brothers:  Jimmy (Celia) from Davenport, Iowa; Rudy (Sylvia) from Tularosa, Eduardo (Teresita) from Albuquerque; Eloy (Betty) from Rosenberg, Texas and Ruben (Wilma) from Alamogordo.  Chevo is also survived by three sisters:  Diana (Joe) Ortega from Alamogordo, Rebecca Watson from Albuquerque and Rachel (Mike) Armendariz from Albuquerque.  He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, godchildren, and many loving friends.  He leaves strong bonds of friendship with many comrades especially Joe Hernandez, Armando Quinones, and Lupe Galvez.

Chevo was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents:  Nicholas and Manuelita Apodaca; and his paternal grandparents: Cresencio and Ambrosia Contreras;  by his parents: Santiago Griego Contreras and Ysidora Apodaca Contreras: by his loving sisters:  Mary(Ygnacio) Sarmiento; Cecilia (Filimon) Morales; Ramona (Naya) Benitez; and Cenaida (Larry) Beaty; and nephews: Joshua Contreras, Donovan Contreras and niece, Pauline Najar.

Chevo was known for his wisdom, common sense, quick wit, sense of humor, his easy and infectious laughter, his strong loyalty, his deep spiritual faith, and profound compassion for his family and friends.  His altruism for others was always displayed with being an extremely caring, compassionate and generous individual.  He left a positive impact on so many people.  He was a modest and quietly proud man. Chevo loved his Nuevo Mejico.  He would often walk and jog in the surrounding mountains and deserts enjoying the beauty of his native State.  New Mexico has reclaimed one of its loyal native sons.  Chevo loved all types of music.  He was especially passionate about Mexican music which he listened and sang along to.  He also enjoyed any kind of Mexican cuisine. Chevo’s life was a testament to his Catholic faith, his perseverance, and his devotion to his family.

Chevo was the first member of his immediate and extended families to go to college.   He graduated from the University of New Mexico in 1970 and the University of Utah in 1973.  Chevo spent many years advocating for social justice.  He served as President of Texas IMAGE, a National Hispanic organization and was an active participant in the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in Houston.  Chevo served on several Boards of Directors for several banks as well as the Board of Directors for the Barelas Community Center in Albuquerque.  He worked for the U.S. Government Small Business Administration in Houston and Albuquerque.  He retired in 2001 from Government service after 33 years of service.

After many years of enduring a relentless and aggressive foe,  Chevo received the greatest gift ever this past Christmas ~ his presence with his Lord and Savior unconstrained by the burdens of his mind and body.  The Lord has granted Chevo the Crown of righteousness that he has so truly earned.

Chevo is leaving an emptiness in our hearts and lives that can never be filled.

A Celebration of Life Rosary will be recited at 10:00 am on Friday, March 12, 2021 at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 11509 Indian School Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112 with a Mass to follow.