The Contreras Francisco Family

Joel Francisco Contreras Paniagua, 49, of Philadelphia, PA passed away on Saturday, May 13th, 2023. Joel was born in Antigua Guatemala, on December 11, 1973, a son of Beatriz Paniagua Ortega and the late Joselino Contreras Bejarano. He was the beloved husband of Lorena Contreras Francisco Reyes. He was a member of Our Lady of Consolation Church in Philadelphia. Joel always had a loving and sensitive heart. He would give his all in everything he did just like his father. Joel worked as a Paramedic/EMT for 15+ years and was an avid fan of the Philadelphia Eagles. Joel is survived by his mother Beatriz Paniagua Ortega, his siblings; Rodolfo Contreras, Beatriz Ramirez, Padre Jose Alfredo Contreras and David Contreras. Also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends.

Lorena Contreras Francisco Reyes, 59, of Philadelphia, PA passed away on Saturday, May 13th, 2023. Lorena was born in Chilpancingo Mexico, on December 9, 1963, a daughter of Clara Reyes Navarrete and the late Enrique Francisco Melchor. She was the beloved wife of Joel Francisco Contreras Paniagua. Lorena was a dedicated mother to her boys and whole family. Even from afar she took care of her family in Mexico. She also was an extremely hard worker and a good friend to many. Many called her “their angel”. Lorena was a member of Our Lady of Consolation Church in Philadelphia and joined the “Ladies of Hope”. Lorena is survived by her mother Clara Reyes Navarrete. She was the loving sister of the late Cira Francisco, Javier Francisco, Domingo Francisco, the late Mario Francisco, Saul Francisco and Enrigue Francisco. Also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends.

Together Lorena and Joel Sr did everything for their two boys, putting them through grade school at Saint Cecilia’s School in Fox Chase, high school at Bishop McDevitt and Roman Catholic High School & lastly at Holy Family University & Temple University. They strived to give their boys the best education possible.

Joel Enrique Contreras Francisco, 29, of Philadelphia, PA passed away on Saturday, May 13th, 2023. Joel was born in Philadelphia, PA on September 17, 1993, a son of Lorena Contreras Francisco Reyes and Joel Francisco Contreras Paniagua. He was a member of Our Lady of Consolation Church in Philadelphia; PA. Joel was a dedicated and compassionate man. He loved to dance and was known for his big contagious smile. In 2021 Joel fulfilled his goal of working for a branch of the government by gaining a job with the Naval foundry of Philadelphia. There he gained valuable connections and friendships. Joel also had a passion for the gym, he worked as a coach and inspired many at No Limit Gym in Philadelphia. His presence had an impact on all. #belikejoel

Daniel Alejandro Contreras Francisco, 23, of Philadelphia, PA passed away on Saturday, May 13th, 2023. Daniel was born in Philadelphia, PA on October 23, 1999, a son of Lorena Contreras Francisco Reyes and Joel Francisco Contreras Paniagua. He was a member of Our Lady of Consolation Church. Daniel graduated from Temple University in 2023. He was a leader on campus and was heavily involved in Temple’s fraternity community. He was initiated into Lambda Theta Phi Latin fraternity in spring 2019. Then from spring 2021 through 2022, Daniel served as chapter president. In addition to his leadership in his chapter, he also served the Multicultural Greek Council as vice president of programming and as council president in spring 2023. Daniel loved theater performing in many plays in high school and loved his beloved dog Pablo, who unfortunately has also passed with the family.

A viewing and visitation for the four family members will be held on Friday, May 19th from 6 PM to 8 PM at St. Cecilia Church 535 Rhawn St. Philadelphia, PA. A second viewing and visitation will be held on Saturday, May 20th from 9:30 AM to 10:15 AM and a funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:30 AM, both at Our Lady of Consolation Church 7051 Tulip St. Philadelphia, PA 19135. Interment will be held at Our Lady of Grace Cemetery in Langhorne.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Hermano Pedro Social Works Foundation by going to www.hermanopedrofoundationusa.org/.

Services have been entrusted to the Walter J. Meyers Funeral Home, Jenkintown, PA and condolences may be made at www.meyersfh.com.