Anthony Joseph Lombardo

Anthony ("Tony" and "Uncle Tony") Joseph Lombardo, born on September 13, 1930, passed away peacefully on June 7, 2024, at the age of 93, surrounded by the love of his family. Tony's life was a remarkable journey filled with adventure, faith, love, and service to his family and country.

The son of immigrant parents from Sicily, Italy, Tony was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, along with his 4 siblings with whom he was particularly close. The vibrant streets of Brooklyn were his playground, and the rich cultural heritage of his Italian family instilled in him values that would guide him throughout his life. Tony strongly believed in the bonds of family and close friends. This belief helped him forge deep and meaningful relationships that endured a lifetime.

In 1951, Anthony was drafted into the United States Army for 2 years, where he served with honor during the Korean War. He was principally stationed in Germany supporting European operations, where he demonstrated his courage and commitment to his country. Following his military service, Tony sought new opportunities and moved to California in 1955. It was there that he continued his career in the telecommunications industry, ultimately retiring after nearly 40 years of service. His leadership and hard work left an indelible mark on the industry and his colleagues.

While in California, Tony met a young lady from Argentina who stole his heart. He married the love of his life in 1974 and together, they built a loving home raising three wonderful children: Anthony, Michael, and Natalie. Tony was a devoted father who cherished spending time with his family, shuttling his children to sporting events and planning family vacations. He was also deeply involved in the Boy Scouts with his two sons, fostering a love for the outdoors and a commitment to serving the community.

A devout catholic, Tony was also known for his faith in God, his generosity, his love of family, his welcoming demeanor, and his strongly-held beliefs. With his infectious personality, he had the ability to make others feel truly welcome and build long-lasting friendships. His sense of humor and his extraordinary storytelling made him the life of every gathering, and truly made him unforgettable.

Tony's legacy extends to his seven beloved grandchildren, who brought immense joy to his later years. He delighted in their achievements and was a constant source of love and encouragement. He regularly showered them with support and affection and an occasional $10 bill.

Tony was preceded in death by his parents Gaetano and Crocifissa Lombardo, his sister Angie (Joe) Voltaggio, his brothers Sam (Lee) Lombardo and Joey (Elena) Lombardo, and his twin brother Mike Lombardo. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Graciela, his sons Anthony (Amy) and Michael (Claudia), his daughter Natalie (Martin) Ojuez, his 7 grandchildren - Nico, Sofia, Luca, Gianna, Isabella, Arianna and Maximiliano, his sister-in-law Rosemary Lombardo, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Tony’s life was a testament to the power of family, hard work, and faith. His memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. A memorial service will be held to honor his life and legacy at San Gabriel Mission Church at 9am on June 29, 2024. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association in his memory.