Juan A Contreras

Juan A. Contreras, 66, of Santa Fe NM, sadly left us on February 17, 2023. Juan was born in Ciudad Juarez Mexico but lived and worked in Santa Fe for the greater part of his life.  Juan is survived by his wife, Leticia Garcia de Contreras, his daughter Laura Martinez (Husband David Martinez), son Miguel Contreras (Partner Jerinda Vigil) and daughter Veronica Contreras (Partner David Fernando Ruiz).

Juan was also a proud grandfather to Natalia, Antonio, Ashely, Angel, Mikayla, Fernando (FDR) and Ezekiel. In addition to his wife, children and grandchildren Juan had countless other family members that included in-laws, nephews, and nieces all of whom Juan held very near and dear to his heart. Juan is also survived by his sister, Elizabeth Contreras Baca, of Ciudad Juarez, who he maintained a very special relationship with.  Juan was preceded in death by his mother in-law Flora Salgado Lopez whom he deeply loved and cared for.  Flora loved Juan and treated him as one of her very own sons.

In addition to being a proud family man, Juan was a long-time respected professional in the Santa Fe culinary community.  He was an award-winning executive chef and operated multiple restaurants throughout downtown Santa Fe during his extraordinary career.  Juan’s passion was being a chef and he can be credited for raising the Santa Fe culinary standard of excellence one restaurant at a time.  He had countless culinary colleagues, coworkers and friends that will definitely miss his professional and personal presence.

Juan’s wife and family wishes to thank all of you for the outpour of support during this difficult time as they know Juan’s passing will create a void in the hearts of the entire family, his friends, colleagues and the community that will not be easily filled if ever…