Sostenes "Tony" Gamboa

Sostenes "Tony" Gamboa, a devoted and hard-working individual, passed away on October 9, 2025, at the age of 95. Born on June 14, 1930, in Litchfield Park, Arizona, Tony was a long-time resident of Spring Valley, California.

An Army veteran, Tony proudly served during the Korean Conflict and was awarded many decorations, including 2 Purple Hearts, Korean Service Medal with 4 Bronze Stars, Republic of Korea War Service Medal, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon, Combat Infantry Badge and National Defense Medal.

Tony and his first wife, Felicitas Gamboa, began a family business in 1962, the Rainbow Radiator Shop, in Lemon Grove, California. The shop eventually grew into a steel fabrication business, Rainbow Steel, with the support of family and several loyal employees.

Tony was known for being gregarious and enjoyed attending social gatherings with family and friends. He had a habit of quietly making an exit, often referred to as "the IRISH exit," where one minute he was there, and the next he was gone. Loyal to his friends, Tony attended many school reunions well into their 70th year travelling to Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, Mexico. Tony was a creature of habit, known for only buying his lotto ticket and newspaper from one particular place. He also enjoyed his cookies. Although he wasn't supposed to due to diabetes. He kept a hidden stash of sweets he was happy to share with friends and family who came by his home to visit.

A devoted San Diego Padres fan from the moment the team was formed, Tony was a season ticket holder for many years. It was a highlight for him to watch his beloved Padres play. Tony was known as a fierce competitor at both Dominos and Chess, and most recently, teaching his granddaughters, Emily, Alexa, Esmeralda, and Eva, age 6, his skill at Chess. Tony was a great storyteller which captivated the attention of his listeners as he was very humorous and charming in sharing his memories.

He is survived by his second wife, Sixta, and five children from his first wife Felicitas, Manuel, Rosie, Henry, Glenna, and Kenny, along with 15 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, his sister Rosalva Reina, and several nieces and nephews.

His smile surely will be missed.

Visitation will be held at Erickson - Anderson Mortuary, 8390 Allison Ave., La Mesa, CA 91942, on November 4, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. John of the Cross, 8086 Broadway, Lemon Grove, CA 91945, on November 5, 2025, at 11:00 am, followed by the committal at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr, San Diego, CA 92122, at 1:15 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Tony's memory to Doctors Without Borders.