Anthony Melvin Westrich

Anthony Melvin Westrich, known affectionately to friends and family as Tony, left this world to be with his Lord and Savior on October 2, 2024, at the age of 70, in San Antonio, TX. He was born on November 24, 1953, in Cincinnati, OH.

Tony was preceded in death by his parents, Anthony Melvin Westrich and Carol (Stewart) Westrich. He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 28 years, Janice (Hays-Rangel) Westrich, his two beloved daughters, Wendy Gangwer (Paul) and Kristy Montoya (Frank) and 4 cherished grandchildren, Kyle and Kaylee Gangwer and Victoria Westrich (Jacob Rebar) and Kaelyn Cavalari (Sean Lubken). He also held a special place in his heart for his 2 step children, Heather (Rangel) Gabrielson (Jeremy) and Christopher Rangel (Richelle) and his 12 step grandchildren, Brooke, Sydney (Cole Ferguson), Paris, Reese, Bradlee, Gavin, London, Luke, and Symantha Gabrielson, Ayla and Titus Rangel and Cooper Witson.

Life’s challenges started at an early age when at age 3 several toes were amputated off one foot by a riding lawnmower accident. The doctors said he may not walk again without major problems. His determination proved them wrong, when he became one of the fastest runners at Harrison High School. He varsity lettered in football, basketball, wrestling, tennis and baseball. Twenty two has always been a special number for him. In baseball, infielders and pitchers wore numbers in the twenties and in football, running and defensive backs were given numbers in the twenties and thirties. He was given number 22 and it became a nickname that stuck with him into adulthood. In the 80’s that was replaced by the name “Buckeye Bull” by his best friend, Tom Campbell in referencing his effective, but not so tactful way of getting things done for a corporate wide incorporation of a new compliance system for Rockwell International. Tony coached Little League football and baseball. During his senior year in high school, he was honored to coach 15 twelve year old boys to the regional playoffs. He also enjoyed playing trumpet in the Cincinnati Bearcat marching band.

Despite being dyslexic, an innovative mind and hard work ethic allowed him to advance from a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Engineering to a successful professional career in a number of different fields. He and his first wife, Melanie (Johnson) Westrich and their 2 daughters spent 20 years moving around the country following government aerospace contract jobs with Boeing, Rockwell International, General Dynamics and The Dee Howard Company.

At Boeing, he was an Industrial Engineer Planner on the 747 and did repairs on B-52 bombers that were coming back from the war.

At Rockwell International, he was a Manufacturing Engineer and Chairman of the Board for a Change Compliance Tracking System that he developed for the Air Force.

At General Dynamics, he was a Manufacturing Senior Planner for rewiring of the F16.

At The Dee Howard Company, he was a Manufacturing Engineer writing work instructions for changes being made on the UPS fleet upgrade.

After he and Janice were married, he became Director of Manufacturing Engineering for Ultrafryer Systems, a company that manufactured stainless steel kitchen equipment, both locally and internationally, for Popey’s and Church’s Chicken. When he was hired, he was given a 1 million dollar budget and tasked with totally redesigning their manufacturing plant to make it more efficient.

After that he worked for Enbridge Inc., a crude oil pipeline transportation company with a location in Duluth, Minnesota. While there he helped reduce the manpower needed by their Contract’s Department by developing better and fairer sub-contractor competition standards.

He was forced to retire early in June of 2014 when ESRD put him on dialysis for the rest of his life and he began having many other medical challenges with his heart, lungs and other problems.

A strong faith helped carry him thru the many challenges of life. It began early as an acolyte in the Catholic Church and later as an usher, Stephen Minister and leader in the Men’s Bible Study Group at Alamo Heights United Methodist Church. His faith was a cornerstone of his life. His thoughtful nature was visible in the care he took in maintaining relationships, always ready with a kind word or a helping hand. Tony’s loving heart was his greatest attribute, enveloping his family in warmth and affection and creating a legacy of love that will endure.

Beyond his professional life, Tony was a man of many interests. He had a passion for golf, bowling, fishing and a love of photography that allowed him to capture the beauty of the world around him. He enjoyed many classes at ALIR (Academy of Learning in Retirement) and supported Janice when she needed help setting up exhibits of her artwork at various shows. He and Janice enjoyed traveling extensively including several Dialysis at Sea cruises. He also found great pleasure in country western dancing with a large group of friends known as The Leon Springs Regulars. Above all, Tony cherished spending time with his loved ones, whether it was a family gathering or a quite evening at home, those moments were the ones he valued most.

His absence will be deeply felt, but the memories of his kindness, his laughter, the smiles he created, and his unwavering love will continue to comfort and inspire all who were blessed to know him.

MEMORIAL SERVICEMONDAY, OCTOBER 21,20242:00 PMALAMO HEIGHTS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH (GARDEN CHAPEL)825 E. BASSE RD. 78209Rev. Donna Strieb will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Alamo Heights United Methodist Church, Mission Road Ministries, or Crossway International.

The family would like to say a special word of thanks to Dr. Calhoon and all of the staff- at DaVita Northwest Medical Center Dialysis Clinic for the exceptional care they provided for him for many years.