Toney Pilato

Pilato, Toney, age 80, passed away Wednesday, October 26th, surrounded by family in his home in Arroyo Grande, CA after a year-long illness. Born to Pasquale Pilato of Ischia, Italy, and Maria Mara of New York City, NY, Toney was raised in West Virginia. After serving in the U.S. Marine Corp from 1948-1952, he received an honorable discharge. He was a long-time Yorba Linda resident whos passion in retirement was growing avocados in Fallbrook and DeLuz Heights, CA. He loved working outdoors, settling in Arroyo Grande four years ago where he enjoyed working in his garden and taking morning walks on Pismo Beach. He is survived by his sons, Michael Pilato, Blaine Pilato, and Gary Hylton, daughters, Debbie Phillipson, Gaby Brown, Sharon Ellzey, and Connie Mezey, brother John Pilato, sisters Amelia Crutchfield and Virginia Rhodes, three sons-in-law, one daughter-in-law, 11 grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. His grandchildren affectionately called him Opa . Toney was pre-ceded in death by first wife, Wanda (Cox) Pilato, and second wife, Brigitte Hobby (Hylton) Pilato. Services will be held on Saturday, November 5, 2011 at 11:30a.m.at McAulay and Wallace Mortuary, 902 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton, CA, followed by a military salute and burial held at Memory Garden Memorial Park, 455 W. Central Ave., Brea, CA.