Tony Antonio deGuzman

On February 12, 1938, Tony Antonio deGuzman was born to Hipolito deGuzman and Iluminada Antonio in Angeles, Pampanga, Philippines. He graduated from Burgos High School with Honors. He then went to Manila to attend FEATI University (Far East Air Transport Incorporated) and graduated as a Radio Technician.

In February 1956, he embarked on a one month journey to the United States via the USS Abraham Lincoln Aircraft Carrier. He arrived in Stockton, California. He worked as a crop picker for several years.

In the early 1960’s he went to Alaska to work in the canneries. He spent the summer times in Seattle and the winter times in Alaska.

In June 1965, he went back home to the Philippines to marry his neighbor, Jovita Balan Reyes.

In September 1967, his wife came to Seattle, Washington and began their family. She gave birth to their daughter, Annette Reyes deGuzman on January 23, 1968 and their 2nd daughter, Evelyn Reyes deGuzman on July 22, 1969.

He dedicated most of his life in his service to the Almighty God as a member and officer inside the Church of Christ (Iglesia Ni Cristo). He is one of the pioneer members from the Local Congregation of Seattle that began in 1971. There, he first became a choir member, then Head Secretary, then a Deacon and then a Head Deacon.

Because of the aggressiveness of his illness, we were no longer able to care for him at home. In November 2012, he was placed in a nursing home facility. He was being visited by family members every day.

In July 2013 his illness progressed even more. He was no longer able to walk and was confined to a wheelchair.

One week before he was hospitalized for pneumonia, he lost his ability to swallow properly.

He passed away on Friday, August 23, 2013 at 9:10pm, at the hospital surrounded by his friends and loved ones.