He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 50 years, Velia Ornelas Tapia; his brother Pedro Jr.; his sisters Maria Elena, Dominga, and Josefina; and granddaughter Stephanie Deanne Smelley. Tony is survived by his sons Joe Tapia and Manuel Tapia and daughters Mary Lou Garcia, Rosa Maria Carrizal, Ana Maria Sosa (Rick Sosa) and Patricia Tapia Olivares; 13 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends.
At the young age of 18, Tony enlisted in the United States Army, where he bravely served his country in the Airborne 11th Division from September 3, 1946 until September 6, 1949. His duties included the occupation of Japan as a paratrooper. After being honorably discharged, Tony’s dedication to serving others continued as he began his 40-year career with the US Postal Service. He was a proud member, and Union Steward of the American Postal Workers Union (APWU). In addition, he was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council No. 803, as a 3rd Degree Knight. He was also a Life-member of VFW Post 581 as well as a member of the American Legion Harrisburg Post 472.
Dad, we love you and you will forever live in our hearts. This is not goodbye; but until we meet again.
The family will receive friends on Monday, May 20, 2019, from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home. A Rosary will be recited that evening at 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 21, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home with interment to follow at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery.
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