$40,000 Turns to $1 Million--That’s the Way Ball Bounces
John Kontra of Huntington Beach wasn’t wearing his glasses Saturday when the Big Spin ball he had set in motion landed in what he thought was the $40,000 slot. It wasn’t.
When $1 million was announced, “then I began to jump,” he said.
Afterward, the 63-year-old retired meat-cutter who had open-heart surgery nine years ago, admitted his win had not quite sunk in yet.
“I’m just very happy,” said Kontra at lottery headquarters in Sacramento.
Kontra worked for Safeway for 14 years, becoming head meat-cutter in the chain’s Garden Grove store before his retirement in 1981.
Married 38 Years
He said he and his wife of 38 years, Delores, 58, are not sure just what they will do with the added income, which amounts to $50,000 a year before taxes for the next 20 years.
The only thing certain, Kontra said, is that Delores will retire from her job as an assistant manager at a K mart store in Westminster.
“She’s worked for them for 20 years, but we are getting on now,” he said. “This will give her security. She can be with me in our golden years as a companion and she won’t have to worry so much.”
Kontra said he would also like to buy a new car because his 1977 Camaro sometimes gives him trouble. The couple will also help their three children and seven grandchildren, Delores Kontra said.
“They’ve been so good to us and now we can pay them back,” she said. “I am very excited and really happy. Something like this just takes your breath away.”
Bought at Ralphs
John Kontra said he had bought the scratch-off ticket at a Ralphs grocery store just after Mother’s Day.
“I do just about all the shopping and I had just picked up a few things and had a dollar in change coming back so I bought a Scratcher,” he said.
After scratching it, he said, “I knew I had something but I wasn’t sure what to expect.”
Originally from Pennsylvania, Kontra said he and Delores probably will take a trip back East soon to let family and friends see firsthand what a millionaire looks like.
