Antonio "Tony" Roman Arias

Tony’s abundance of energy and love for life entered a room before he physically did. It was his infectious smile that made people feel heard and loved. Antonio Roman Arias, 44, of Chula Vista, California, passed away on the morning of February 15, 2025.

Tony was born in Indio, California, in 1980 to Gabriel Paul Arias and Eleanor Esquivel Arias on All Saints’ Day, who fondly remember him for being full of a lively spirit from day one. He loved his family members with all his heart and spent many childhood summers on his grandfather’s ranch in the Coachella Valley with his cousins and brother. His parents meant the world to him, and he was always making his mom laugh and strived to make his dad proud of him. Tony and his brother Gabriel were inseparable growing up, and his younger brother remembers him for always looking out for him and all the fun times they had. Gabriel remembers how Tony was always a teacher, and he learned how to be a better person from Tony, and he admired how his older brother was compassionate towards others particularly those that needed a little extra time and attention.

Johanna and Tony met at a work function in 2005, and the rest was history. He asked her to go to a Padres game and spilled nacho cheese all over her purse, and shortly after that told everyone that he was going to marry her. Recently someone mentioned that when either one of them would enter a room their eyes would light up for one another. The two were married at Corpus Christi Catholic Church on August 16, 2008.

Tony and Johanna couldn’t wait to start a family of their own, and their children meant the world to them. Most weekends they had to split up with Tony taking his boys to water polo tournaments and Johanna headed to the softball field. Rose stole her father’s heart from the moment she entered the world. She will always be his little girl who loves to party just like him and they stayed up many nights watching baseball together. Antonio and Alexander where his “twinkies” and he loved them more than anything. Antonio was his cuddle partner, and Alexander shares Tony’s love for music. All three of them had their dad wrapped around their finger and he was their loudest supporter at all sports events.

When Tony’s family moved to San Diego when he was six years-old he created many close friendships that he would refer to as his “brothers from another mother”. Tony’s heart and caring personality are what made people gravitate towards him (unless you were a referee or an umpire). You could not go anywhere with Tony without running into someone that he knew, and he would stop and catch up with everyone, because he genuinely cared about how you were doing.

Tony was passionate about his career as a special education teacher. He loved working with students with special needs and always advocated for what was best for them. He created bonds with his colleagues and others in education that shared his same values. His legacy in education will never be forgotten.

Everyone who knew Tony knew how much he loved his family, career, sports, music and his two fur babies Hos and Manny.

Tony will always be remembered for his charismatic personality and the way he made others feel. You were not just a friend to him but a family member, and when he asked you how you were doing, he was truly interested in your well-being. We will miss Tony’s “loud voice” each day that passes.

Tony is survived by his wife, Johanna Arias; his daughter Rose Arias; his son Antonio Arias; and his son Alexander Arias.

A viewing for Tony will be held Friday, March 7, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 450 Corral Canyon Road, Bonita, CA 91902. A rosary will occur Friday, March 7, 2025 at 4:00 PM, 450 Corral Canyon Road, Bonita, CA 91902. A Catholic Funeral Mass will occur Saturday, March 8, 2025 at 10:00 AM, 450 Corral Canyon Road, Bonita, CA 91902. A reception (immediately following) will occur Saturday, March 8, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, 450 Corral Canyon Road, Bonita, CA 91902.