Anthony Cruz Rabago

Anthony was born in Fresno, CA October 18 1957. Anthony was the second oldest son of eight children born to Cruz and Victoria Rabago. Anthony was devastated when his oldest brother, Joe, passed away on November 19, 2010. Anthony is survived by his parents and family; Rachel, Phillip and his wife Irene, Anita, Laura, and Leo and his wife Sonya. Anthony comes from an extremely large extended family spanning several generations of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. His maternal grandparents had over 300 decendents as of 1983.

Anthony was a gregarious individual with boundless curiosity and a love of life.

Anthony was married to his first wife Colleen Huch with whom he had a step-child, Rachel. Anthony later remarried to Cyndi Miller, with whom he had two step children, Jason and Amber. Anthony adored his step children and raised them as his own.

Making his own path in life, Anthony began his banking career just out of high school. He worked at Security Pacific National Bank as a bank manager for about 10 years, until the bank merged with Bank of America in 1992. Anthony made a career change into the Fresno County office of Social Services. He accepted a new position in the Orange County office of Social Service where he would eventually would become an Eligibility Supervisor until his retirement in 2014. As it turns out, he comes from a family of public servants that include the City, County, State, Federal, University System, and Employee Union.

Anthony was a remarkable man. He loved to help others and would always be willing to teach others what he knew. Anyone who knew Anthony knows his sincerity and true gift for giving. He gave 100% of himself without asking for anything in return. When Anthony retired he moved back home to Fresno to be with family, especially to be with his mother and father. He would take them on errands, Dr. visits, vacations or whatever they needed. He was one of the most giving human beings that blessed our lives. He never complained or thought twice about helping others. He just did it.

When Anthony received his cancer diagnosis in 2008, he was devastated. He chose to fight and he beat it. His love of life was strong. He lived cancer free for the next 10+ years. How he survived is a testament to his fortitude and determination.

In his early years, his parents instilled the joy of taking a challenge head on. He loved and excelled in sports. He was an avid snow skier, taking on “black diamond” runs with ease. He maintained a bowling league average of over 235. In Bowling, the highest score possible is a 300 game. Anthony bowled a 299 game. His bowling league bestowed upon him a ring as they inducted him into the 299 club. He was also an excellent softball player who can hit a home run then turn around and threw a runner out at home plate from deep left field. As a teenager, Anthony was a Track and Field star. He competed in the 1970s West Coast Relays track and field events at Ratcliff Stadium earning honors in the 100 yard dash and hurdles.

On of Anthony’s favorite movies is the 1939 classic, Wizard of Oz. The movie premiered on television one year before his birth. Nobody knows just how often, but over the next 60 years, let’s just say that he watched it - often. Anthony also had a favorite song, Turn the Page (live version) by Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band. His one request in life was to have this song played at his funeral. His wish will surely be granted.

Anthony was one those individuals that family and strangers alike could not help but to appreciate his wit and ability to communicate so easily with anyone. Just one quick story about Anthony; as we walked through the stands of Texas stadium at the 2004 Eric Clapton’s Crossroads event, my wife and I following close behind, people would gawk and/or high five him and he just went with it and kept on walking. I asked him what that was all about, he said they thought he was the famous guitar legend, Carlos Santana. Although there is a resemblance, Anthony never fulfilled his dream to play guitar on stage.

Anthony had an eclectic musical taste, it seems to run in the family. His music collection included artists from classical, blues, jazz, rock, latin, R & B, and world beats. His favorite live performances that he witnessed were the likes of Carlos Santana, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Robin Trower and Tower of Power. He had an extensive collection of a wide range of popular music.

Jerome Arizona has a special place in his heart. He looked forward to the annual reunions held in the former mining town where his father was born and raised. Over the last two decades, Anthony rarely missed the event. In recent years, the event often coincided with his birthday so he celebrated many a birthday in Arizona. He enjoyed the small town of 5,000 people while visiting with his Aunts and Uncles, cousins and the many other extended family members living in the area. He also enjoyed the Connor Hotel Friday night blues band and the nearby Indian casino.

Anthony, we miss you and love you with all our hearts. Your memory will live on and comfort us now and forever. Take care big brother, you are now with brother Joe. One day we shall all meet again.