Born with rhythm in his heart and sunshine in his soul, Antonio was the kind of man who could turn a simple backyard BBQ into a full-on family festival—techno music pumping, Cowboys game on in the background, and everyone laughing with a plate of something grilled to perfection in hand. He believed in seasoning both meat and life generously.
A proud and loyal fan of the Dallas Cowboys (even during the rough seasons), Antonio was known to shout at the TV with the same passion he brought to dancing.
Antonio found peace in the simple pleasures: casting a line while fishing, capturing goofy and sweet video memories with his children, long walks with his beloved K-9 companion, and, of course, any day that ended at the beach with sand between his toes and the sound of waves in his ears. He also cherished quiet moments, like playing dominoes with his brother-in-law—competitive, laughter-filled games that became cherished traditions.
He leaves behind a family who adored him, laughed with him, danced beside him, and will miss him deeply: his loving mother, Maria de la Luz Almanza; his devoted partner, Darlene Wilson; his children, Caleb (Elibel L. Franco) Almanza and Vivian (Andrew G. Irizarry) Almanza; his cherished grandbaby, Psalm Yvon Irizarry; his sisters, Esmeralda (Juan Benavides) Almanza and Cecilia (Arturo) Flores; his brothers, Juan Jose Nieto Almanza and Roberto (Jennefe) Almanza; and a host of extended family and friends who knew that time with Antonio was always time well spent.
Though he's no longer here to man the grill or drop a beat, Antonio’s joy, humor, and fierce love for his people will live on in every dance move, family video, fishing story, domino match, and touchdown cheer.
