It is with much sadness that we tell you that Tony passed away at 9:18 a.m. on July 15, 2025, with his daughter and sisters by his side. He was a great friend for many many years and we will miss him as will all who loved him. 💔
There are many stories that I’m sure will come to mind regarding Tony. One of my fondest was driving in is mom’s Volkswagen Beatle in South Pasadena, when we were barely 15. Another time is when Jim, Tony and I were out driving on a raining evening and a concrete wall suddenly jumped out in front of us! We were 18 then. I did not tell my own mother, brother or sister for another 20 years after that one.
Like many of us, Tony had some difficulty finding his calling after high school. He did find his calling working with and caring for others. First as a dialysis tech and then he went back to school to get his P.A. Wow! Tony worked for several years as a P.A. and helped and mentored many others. He often spent extra time and effort to educate his patients and on many occasions, educating their parents. He persevered and succeeded.
His journey with cancer started quite some time ago. He had a few surgeries along the way. There were many scans, blood tests, appointments, consultations and infusions too numerous to count. He fought bravely! He set standard for himself and still he helped others along the way.
Rest in peace my friend. There are many of us who will never forget!
Tony was an El Centro kid, a wonderful classmate and teammate who always gave his best. He spent a great deal of his life taking care of others. Missed indeed.
Tony was great to have as a friend. We got in trouble together a lot and he always stood up for his doings. He eventualy after struggling with different jobs went back to school and became a PA. That's were his best work helping others on and off the clock was done. He didn't wear a watch, the work or advice he gave was done when he felt it was best. He helped a lot of people over the years even after retirement. He was loved by a lot of people.
To his close friends he was known as the Birdman. Dubbed That by Stewart Burton because he drove a beat up Ford Falcon. I think he was delivering pizzas then. We called him The Bird. Over the years he developed a passion for photography, mainly birds. He has a web site and his photos are amazing. I and many others are going to miss sharing photo's although mine didn't look anything like his.
Durring the covid stuff I was sick for over a week witch was unusual for me. I was throwing up everyday all throughout the day. I gave him a call and asked him what I should do. He told me to eat apples, "they taste the same going down as the do coimg up". He was right. I'll miss talking with him he never held anything back.
Very sad news. I have lost too many close friends over the past two years. Every day is a blessing. Lots of great stories with Tony most of which missing getting caight by the law! I was so impressed with his career as a PA. A career helping others. He will be missed. W
Bird was the manager of DWS when we first strated out back in 71. He has been a great friend through out the years. I have a ton of great memories as do many of you. When DWS re-emerged, Tony was there to capture much of it on camara. He was at most gigs, if not all. His pictures are all over facebook, so I'm told. He has kept me in the loop, often sending me bird shots or other beauties from our planet. I have a framed eagle in my living room that he gifted me with. We talked little about his health but that was by his choice. I respected his decision. I hope to meet up with him in Gods time and place.
Mark Ukena
There are many stories that I’m sure will come to mind regarding Tony. One of my fondest was driving in is mom’s Volkswagen Beatle in South Pasadena, when we were barely 15. Another time is when Jim, Tony and I were out driving on a raining evening and a concrete wall suddenly jumped out in front of us! We were 18 then. I did not tell my own mother, brother or sister for another 20 years after that one.
Like many of us, Tony had some difficulty finding his calling after high school. He did find his calling working with and caring for others. First as a dialysis tech and then he went back to school to get his P.A. Wow! Tony worked for several years as a P.A. and helped and mentored many others. He often spent extra time and effort to educate his patients and on many occasions, educating their parents. He persevered and succeeded.
His journey with cancer started quite some time ago. He had a few surgeries along the way. There were many scans, blood tests, appointments, consultations and infusions too numerous to count. He fought bravely! He set standard for himself and still he helped others along the way.
Rest in peace my friend. There are many of us who will never forget!
Buddy Anderson
Yes Mark et al
Tony was an El Centro kid, a wonderful classmate and teammate who always gave his best. He spent a great deal of his life taking care of others. Missed indeed.
Jim McElearney
Tony was great to have as a friend. We got in trouble together a lot and he always stood up for his doings. He eventualy after struggling with different jobs went back to school and became a PA. That's were his best work helping others on and off the clock was done. He didn't wear a watch, the work or advice he gave was done when he felt it was best. He helped a lot of people over the years even after retirement. He was loved by a lot of people.
To his close friends he was known as the Birdman. Dubbed That by Stewart Burton because he drove a beat up Ford Falcon. I think he was delivering pizzas then. We called him The Bird. Over the years he developed a passion for photography, mainly birds. He has a web site and his photos are amazing. I and many others are going to miss sharing photo's although mine didn't look anything like his.
Durring the covid stuff I was sick for over a week witch was unusual for me. I was throwing up everyday all throughout the day. I gave him a call and asked him what I should do. He told me to eat apples, "they taste the same going down as the do coimg up". He was right. I'll miss talking with him he never held anything back.
Wally McCloud
Very sad news. I have lost too many close friends over the past two years. Every day is a blessing. Lots of great stories with Tony most of which missing getting caight by the law! I was so impressed with his career as a PA. A career helping others. He will be missed. W
Gerry Sanchez
Bird was the manager of DWS when we first strated out back in 71. He has been a great friend through out the years. I have a ton of great memories as do many of you. When DWS re-emerged, Tony was there to capture much of it on camara. He was at most gigs, if not all. His pictures are all over facebook, so I'm told. He has kept me in the loop, often sending me bird shots or other beauties from our planet. I have a framed eagle in my living room that he gifted me with. We talked little about his health but that was by his choice. I respected his decision. I hope to meet up with him in Gods time and place.