On December 28, 2024, Joel G Contreras of Chicago, Illinois passed away peacefully at the age of 60, surrounded by his family. Born on February 1, 1964 in Harlingen, Texas.He attended Bloom High School, Art Institute of Chicago, and Northeastern.He held a Master's Degree, and dedicated his career to teaching in CPS in Art, then moved into teaching Special Education for over 25 years, impacting countless young lives with his passion for learning.Joel also was very talented and enjoyed creating art such as sketches, oil painting, water colored, as well as photography and music. He also enjoyed collecting antiques, history, and his love for his cats. Beloved son of Greg & Esther (Zamora) Contreras, beloved sisters Sylvia (Contreras) Mueller & Bob, and Diane (Contreras) Graman. Preceded by death his brother Adrian Contreras. Dearest uncle of Anthony Kolodziej & Arielle (Hughes)Kolodziej, Sarah (Kolodziej) Rafacz & Tom (Triston, Landon, Dawson), Anna (Kolodziej) Nelson (Aurora), Alyssa (Kolodziej) Rutzen & Michael (Walter & Travis), Rocco Kolodziej, Dominic Kolodziej, Marissa Graman, Mariah Graman, Markus Graman, and Mason Graman. Joel also leaves behind many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Joel will be sorely missed by all who knew him. There will be a ceremony of celebration of life at the Lain-Sullivan in Park Forest on Thursday, January 9, 2025, from 12pm- 3pm.