Johnny Rodelo Contreras

On March 27th, 1944 Celia and Santos Contreras gave birth to their first-born child John Rodelo at Beverly Hospital in Montebello, CA. John grew up in Montebello, graduated from Montebello High School, and was a proud member of the Chancellors Car Club. After graduating, John went on to earn his Bachelor's Degree in Math from Cal State L.A. Later, he would earn his M.B.A. from Pepperdine University.

In the 1960s, fate would bring John and Joyce together when they were placed next to each other as "new hires" at United California Bank. John and Joyce were married on June 18th, 1971 at St. Dominic's Catholic Church in Eagle Rock, CA. They blended their family and had sons James and Michael, and daughters Denise, Mariesa, and Jovanna. As a family man, John enjoyed such pursuits as Judo, chess, golf, tennis, basketball, astronomy, fishing and was an avid gamer (pre-computers). He also had a love of fast cars like his Chevy Impala, Opel GT, and Toyota Supra.

John had a successful career spanning over 50 years in the aerospace industry. His career began with the Apollo Space programs and ended with satellite defense technology. As a gifted mathematician and engineer he was recognized as a significant contributor of the U.S. Space Program and participated in numerous successful civilian and military space missions. John retired from Northrup Grumman Corporation in 2011.

From then on, John and Joyce were inseparable. They took on the care of their grandchildren Madelyn, Brennan, Wyatt, and Gianna in their first years of life. John enjoyed bonding with each of his grandchildren and tried to impart his wisdom and love into them. John dearly loved his 5 children, 10 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, as well as his many cherished friendships. John and Joyce went on many adventures together over the years- most notably their trip to Italy in 2018 for Joyce's 80th birthday. John adored his wife and wanted to see the world with her. They recently celebrated their Golden 50th Wedding Anniversary.

On August 8th, 2021 God called John home. John's life was a good, full life well-lived. He leaves us a legacy of love, hope, leadership, courage, bravery, and strength. He was a remarkable man who touched the lives of so many of us with his wisdom and meaningful presence.