Longtime Scotts Valley resident John Contos died Aug. 6 at the age of 89.
Mr. Contos was born in San Francisco to Sultana and Constantine (Gus) Contos, Greek immigrants, and grew up in the Richmond District. He attended George Washington High School where he enthusiastically served as student body president and graduated in 1941. He attended the University of San Francisco, graduating in 1948 and earned a Law Degree in 1951. He was the first of his family to attend college.
During WWII, Mr. Contos served as a sergeant in the Army Air Corps where he was stationed in Italy and earned several honors.
Mr. Contos spent much of his childhood in the family grocery store and was working there on August 17, 1942 when Martha Carp walked into the store. They were married June 15, 1947. The loving couple raised four children, living in San Francisco, Millbrae, San Carlos, Menlo Park, and then retiring in Scotts Valley where they lived for 20 years.
Mr. Contos spent much of his career working for large insurance companies in the financial district of San Francisco and later in Menlo Park.
A true gentleman, family members said, Mr. Contos will be remembered for his love of people, his generous kindness and his romantic heart. Music gave him endless joy and from Broadway musicals to the big band sounds, Mr. Contos loved the music of his generation.
Mr. Contos is survived by is beloved wife of 66 years, Martha Contos of Santa Cruz; his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his three siblings and his grandson.
The staff of Maple House II, to the Palliative Care Program at Palo Alto Medical Foundation and to Hospice of Santa Cruz County cared for Mr. Contos until his death. Contributions in his memory can be made to Hospice of Santa Cruz County, 940 Disc Drive, Scotts Valley, CA 95066. Leave a memory or share condolences at www.pacificgardenschapel.com.
