Michael Contos

Contos, Michael, 54, of Jefferson and Brookfield, Wisconsin. Born August 21, 1971, and reunited in heaven with his beloved mother, Stella Contos, on Aug. 10, 2026. Much-loved son of Nick Contos and cherished brother of Marianne (David) Foster and Christopher (Ashok Bania).  Loving uncle of Nicholas, Michael and Sam Foster. Best friend to both Gary Roth and Craig Boucher. Further survived by a big, fat Greek family of aunts, uncles, cousins and second cousins.

Mike was born with Down Syndrome and raised in Brookfield, Wisconsin. With the love and support of his parents and siblings, Mike was determined to graduate from college, live independently, become an actor and writer, marry someone “just like our mom,” and have a family of his own—and he worked hard toward those goals every day.

In 1983, Mike moved to Jefferson, Wisconsin, to attend St. Coletta’s School, where he thrived academically, developed office skills, and competed in Special Olympics swimming and track events. He was also the most social guy on campus, attending every dance and concert and living life to the fullest.

Always drawn to the limelight, Mike was known to steal the microphone at social events to offer a toast, say a prayer, or belt out a song. He also loved showing off the dance moves he learned from his idol, John Travolta, in Grease.

After finishing school, Mike moved to a St. Coletta group home in Jefferson and held several jobs in the community. He was incredibly proud to live on his own with his best friends, Gary and Craig, to have a job, and to earn a paycheck.

When St. Coletta opened group homes in the Greater Milwaukee area, Mike moved to Waukesha to be closer to family. He became an advocate for people with disabilities and was often called on by St. Coletta to speak at municipal meetings when group homes were up for approval. He was also interviewed by NBC’s local news affiliate—a proud moment for Mike and his family. He was delighted to spend 43 years as a client of St. Coletta and was grateful for the wonderful staff who cared for him and the lifelong friends he made there.

Mike was the happiest person you could ever meet. He loved making new friends and giving bear hugs to everyone, even those he had just met. His warmth and love of life will be forever missed by his family, friends, and the St. Coletta community.

The family would like to thank the incredible caregivers and staff at St. Coletta’s Dower House and Rainbow Hospice.

A visitation will be held at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 9400 West Congress Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Monday, August 17, 2026 from 10:00 AM. until the time of the Service at 11:00 AM. A private family burial will take place in Chicago.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to: Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, or St. Coletta of Wisconsin.

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