Anthony Albert 'Tony' Speno

Anthony Albert Speno, “Tony”, resident of Santa Cruz since 1979, went to his eternal home in heaven on August 28, 2025, at the age of 88. Tony touched the lives of many, with his positive outlook, warmth, humor and generosity. Despite the many challenges he faced in life, he was a risk taker with the determination to persevere, which led to many of his success stories.

Tony was born on March 31, 1937, in San Jose, California to Dominic Speno and Carmella “Millie” Damiani Speno. He grew up on a prune and apricot orchard off Cottle Road in South San Jose. His father and grandfather taught him hard work, ingenuity, a strong work ethic and an innate curiosity of how things worked, a central theme throughout his life. Venturing off the ranch, led him to meet his new neighbor, Muriel Vanderbilt, owner of the thoroughbred horse breeding farm, Edenvale Farms. She took an interest in her curious young neighbor and brought him to several horse races in the area.

Tony lost his mother at twelve years old, which was traumatic for both Tony and his father. He was grateful for the support he received from the Ernest Speno family. He was also blessed to have his “Uncle Bennie”, Ben Damiani, support and mentor him throughout his life. Before her passing, his mother’s wishes were for him to take voice lessons and to get a dog. Tony named his Australian Shepard, Champ. The pair became inseparable. His voice lessons led him to become a talented crooner with great fondness for Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra. When he was 19, he performed at the famous Purple Onion in San Francisco.

Tony was in the first graduating class of James Lick high school, graduating in 1955. He sang in their choir and enjoyed success in track and field. Upon graduating, he held two jobs. Operating a gas station during the day and working with his Uncle Bennie at the Pratt-Low cannery at night.

Tony met the love of his life Marian Hempel at 18, she was 16. They married the following year, their love story woven over 70 years. By the time he was 24, they welcomed three children and their family was complete. Family was everything for him.

Tony started working at IBM shortly after they opened their manufacturing site in San Jose in 1956. As a young, spry 19-year-old, he impressed his managers by completing his daily quota within the hour. He was then assigned to fine detail-oriented work using a jeweler’s lathe and microscope. He caught the attention of the new CEO, Thomas J. Watson Jr. as he toured the facility noting the quality of Tony’s work. Learning that Tony was a local boy, Mr. Watson Jr. invited him to lunch in his chauffeured Rolls Royce to the Watson residence. These invitations were extended several more times. Tony went on to have an accomplished career at IBM over his 16 years, earning IBM three patent awards in their research lab.

Tony left IBM to purchase a tool and die shop in Santa Clara. He was the sole proprietor of Valley Machine and Tool, expanding the business to include a sheet metal shop. IBM was a key customer. His innate eye for detail, deft skill in problem solving & design, led him to expand into new products and clients in Europe working with his business associate, Bisser Dimitrov.

Throughout his life, he invested in real estate with a deeper focus in his retirement. His son, Damian, played a key role in the acquisition and management of several multi-unit properties and currently manages the portfolio.

A keen interest in cars that began in his teens led him to collect cars over the years. In his retirement, along with his assistant and friend, Mike Champion, Tony enjoyed restoring and working on his collection, with a particular interest in his four 300SL Mercedes Benz Gull Wings. He was a longtime member of the Northern California chapter of the Gull Wing Group. Tony was a 49er Faithful and enjoyed watching old westerns in his down time.

Tony will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 68 years, Marian. He is survived by his half-siblings Anna Marie Berlincioni and Dominic Speno, and close cousins Irene Armento Peck and Ronald Speno. Tony was a devoted father to Monica (Mike) Damron, Serena (James) Lucey and Damian (Valerie) Speno. He was a proud grandfather to Elizabeth Damron, Steven Damron, Gabrielle Lucey, Natalie Sanders, Claire Speno, Antoinette “Toni” Speno, and Joseph Speno, and a great grandfather to Corbin Amato.

Celebrating the Life of Tony Speno

Friday, September 19th

Viewing 10 - 11 a.m.

Funeral 11 a.m.

Lima Family Erickson Memorial Chapel

710 Willow Street

San Jose, California 95125

Santa Clara Mission Cemetery

Graveside Service & Blessing 12:30 p.m.

Banquet Luncheon to Follow