Tony Joseph Gueringer

Tony Joseph Gueringer was the firstborn child from the union of Rodney and Ann Gueringer on May 20th, 1956, in Los Angeles, California. He was followed in the family chain by his siblings, Ronnie, Nick, and Denise. Being the oldest child in the household at the time, he was tasked with looking after his younger brothers and sister. A task he took to heart. We were later joined by our older sister Tina from our father’s previous marriage. One of the few times Tony had to relinquish authority.

Tony was the one who paved the way for other family members to follow. From St Leo’s to St Eugene’s, Mt. Carmel, St Bernard’s, and then UCLA, he announced the entry of the Gueringers. Although we were unique individuals in personality, we were a united force that created an impenetrable bond. If you messed with one, you messed with all. That kind of Musketeer “all for one and one for all” attitude is what he embraced, and he would be the first in the trenches to protect his family.

Tony loved sports and the challenges it presented. Few people enjoyed the fight of the underdog more than him. He was a Co-Captain of the Mt Carmel Crusaders High School football team, then a letterman of the UCLA Bruins. It was a comradery of teammates that he relished, but even more, Tony was a person who would not shy away from the battle. Tony earned an MBA from UCLA, was a licensed Paralegal, and was scholarly in the studies of African American History. He utilized those talents to work diligently with the UCLA Black Alumni to provide a voice for those that were mistreated or overlooked. He provided a tireless effort to increase the Black Student Population, and to formulate agendas at UCLA. He was instrumental in researching historical data and creating festivities to honor the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the UCLA campus. He was also a probation officer for approximately 3 years and worked to change the lives of troubled youth. It was a job in which he excelled and had a passion. He had an unflinching resolve that many knew not to challenge.

Whatever he believed, he believed in fiercely. Tony was not afraid to challenge what was considered the norm if it meant progressing the cause. If you were willing to get into the trenches and debate him, you had better have your chinstrap on tight because he was coming at you with a fervor few could imagine. From politics to Black awareness and empowerment, he wrote and was a voice for the cause. Sometimes he would win the argument, sometimes he wasn’t as persuasive, but he always made you think.

Tony married Lynn Gardner, was a step father to Glenn and Mykel, and the union created a son Jarite. Although the marriage dissolved, you can see some positive traits that exist in these children. Fighting for the underdog is something they all have in common.

Tony was a believer, and has been welcomed into eternal life by our loving mother on February 8th, 2019. He will live on as a warrior spirit in the lives of his family and those that were dear to him.

Tony leaves behind his father, Rodney, sisters Tina and husband Donnie, Denise and her husband Gerald, brothers Ronnie and his wife Lisa, Nick and his wife Shelia, children Glenn and wife Andrea, Mykel and husband Roger, Jarite and wife Beth, a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and grandchildren.