Anthony "AJ" Joseph Vance Sr.

Born on November 24,1942, in the Heights to Anthony G. Vance and Lena Piazza, AJ was a lifelong resident of Houston and a devout Catholic. St. Joseph Parish held a special place in his heart, where he was baptised, attended school through eighth grade, and proudly served as an altar boy. He was also a proud graduate of St. Thomas High School, class of ‘62.

After graduating, AJ founded American Sign Company. Beyond his professional pursuits, he cherished time spent with family and friends, coaching his nephews’ baseball teams, participating in bowling leagues, and enjoying card games and fishing with loved ones.

In 1978, AJ married the love of his life, Mary Grace Carbone, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Together, they moved to Forest West, becoming devoted members of St. Ambrose Catholic Church. They were blessed with two children, Roseanne and Anthony Joseph Jr. (Tony), and AJ reveled in coaching his kids at Candlelight Baseball Park. He proudly attended all of their events at St. Ambrose and St. Pius X, beaming with pride.

To his beloved grandchildren, Sophia and Philip Anthony, he was affectionately known as “PawPaw.” They adored him, and he cherished every moment spent with them, proudly attending their sporting events and making lasting memories.

Family was at the heart of AJ’s life. He loved sharing experiences with loved ones, whether it was embarking on family vacations, trying his luck at the casinos, or cheering on his favorite sports teams, including the Astros and Texans. However, his true loyalty belonged to the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame.

Although AJ was a quiet man, he delighted those around him with witty jokes and humorous anecdotes that left everyone in stitches.

AJ was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his sisters, Patricia Adams and Mary Ann Dalo, and nephew Michael Adams. He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Mary Grace; son, Tony Vance; daughter, Roseanne Bush and her husband, Philip; and grandchildren, Sophia and Philip Anthony, who brought immense joy to his life.