Anthony M. Demich

“Tony” was born October 29, 1927, in Pittston, Pennsylvania, the eighth of nine children born to Fred and Maria Demich. Not only was he the only one in his family to graduate from high school, he earned the distinction of class valedictorian. After high school, he began attending college, but was drafted into the Army. He served in Europe from July 1946 – October 1948 during World War II and was called to active duty again to serve in Korea from October 1950 – December 1951. He was discharged with the rank of Staff Sergeant. For his service he received the WWII Victory Medal and the Korean Service Medal.

Tony requested to muster out in San Diego in 1951, so he could spend some time with his brother, Tom. Before returning to his home in Pennsylvania, he knew that he would someday make the San Diego area his home. In 1952, while working in a factory, he met Irene Chonka. They were married in 1954 and started their family. He joined the U. S. Postal Service in 1955 as a mail carrier in the city of Philadelphia. After too many years of cold winters, Tony made the decision to request a transfer to the San Diego area. With the promise of help from his brother, Tom, Tony and his family moved here in 1964 and bought a house on Louisiana St. Just a few months after the big move, Tony was ready to continue his career with the Postal Service when he was hired at the Chula Vista branch office (which at that time located in the basement of the Broadway department store!). In 1970, Tony moved the family to Chula Vista. He retired from the Chula Vista Main Post Office in 1982, as a Postal Clerk, where he thoroughly enjoyed working directly with the customers.

Tony and Irene always made family summer vacations a priority; they traveled to Yosemite, Grand Canyon and Oregon. But every three years or so, a longer trip was made to the east coast to visit family still living there. Everyone had input planning the route and the stops to be made along the way. Many special memories were made during those lengthy car rides!

Tony is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Irene and their four children, Sharon (Rick), Michael, Mark (Nancy) and Sheila. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren, David (Donna), Diane, Samantha, Anthony, Alec, Camerine and Britney, as well as his sister, Rose Borruso and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, June 23, 2015 at 1 p.m. at the Little Chapel of the Roses at Glen Abbey Memorial Park, 3838 Bonita Rd. Bonita, Ca. 91902.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Heart Association.