Anthony G Azpeitia

Anthony "Tony" Azpeitia, died Sunday, October 2nd, at home in Hacienda Heights, CA surrounded by family after a brief battle with cancer. He was 79. He was born June 6, 1937 to Sebastian and Florinda (Vaca) Azpeitia in Los Angeles. Tony graduated from Mary Star of the Sea High School in 1955. He had many jobs after high school including LA life guard and served in the United States National Guard reserves. Tony married Aida Fierro on July 28, 1962 in Los Angeles and began their family in Gardena, moving to Hacienda Heights in 1975. Tony worked at Xerox Corporation for 35 years and early in his career attended LA Trade Tech College to earn an A.A. in Electronics & Supervision (1973). He was a founder of the Hispanic Association for Professional Advancement (HAPA) which provides opportunities entry level professionals, scholarships to students and has been defined as the Hispanic voice within Xerox. He enjoyed traveling throughout his life and upon retiring from Xerox in 1999, went back to school to Mt San Antonio College to earn an A.S. in World Travel Management (2003). He found a second career as a Travel Consultant, specializing in Hawaii and cruises, working with many over the last 16 years to plan their dream vacations. He was an active member of St. John Vianney Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. Tony loved spending time with his family and was very proud of all their accomplishments. Tony is survived by his wife Aida of 54 years; three children Anna Ruiz, Armando Azpeitia and Alisa Azpeitia of Chicago, IL; four grandchildren, Amanda Ruiz of Oakland, Natalie (Marc) Afshar of Turlock, Martin Ruiz and Nina Ruiz; and one great-grandchild; sisters Heidi, Edna and brother Elmer. Tony was preceded in death by his parents, Sebastian and Florinda Azpeitia; sister, Hilda and brothers, Lioncio and Harlan. Funeral services will be at 9:00am on Friday, October 7th, at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, Hacienda Heights, CA, followed by interment at Calvary Cemetery, Los Angeles. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John Vianney (SJVHH) Rise Again Campaign. Calvary Mortuary is helping the family with the arrangements. www.calvarymortuary.com