Anthony “Tony” Elias Mansour passed away peacefully,
surrounded by his family, at age 84 on June 5, 2022, after fighting advanced
heart failure with untiring spirit for many years.
Born in Jerusalem in 1937, he took great pride in his deep
Palestinian roots and prayed for a free Palestine. Forced to leave during the Nakba
in 1948, he emigrated first to Beirut where he learned leadership skills as a
boy scout leader, before moving with his family to the United States in 1958.
He married the love of his life, Sandra Gabrie in 1963, and worked and owned
various businesses before launching his career as an electronics sales rep, hustling
for sales up and down the state of California while growing his family with the
birth of his three sons. His career break-through came in 1970 when he became
the exclusive provider of Hitachi TV sets with contracts providing the screens to
two burgeoning video game start-ups; one of which became the legendary tabletop
Pong game for the company that became Atari.
Many Angelenos will know and remember Tony as owner of ABC
Premiums in the 70’s, where he was a pioneer of the discount appliance and electronics
retail industry with his well-known invitation-only sidewalk sales. In 1979, after
dabbling in real estate, he bravely jumped on the opportunity to purchase 8,000
acres in Northern California, where over the next 40 years he planned and
developed a master-planned community now known as El Dorado Hills. What began
as his singular vision and promise of a “world class community” became a
reality and is now his legacy that will live on for generations who live in El
Dorado Hills or visit the vibrant El Dorado Hills Town Center.
Tony was a self-made man who took great pride in his
success, but even more pride in his role as Patriarch of the Mansour family. He
helped countless family members and friends with their educations, careers and
businesses. He inspired and encouraged his entire extended family.
Tony was charismatic and charmed all who met him. He inspired
great devotion from even the briefest of acquaintances. Nobody met Tony without
loving him instantly. He was always the life of any party – and everyone was
always welcome at his home, especially at his famous L.A. Marathon parties.
Tony is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Sandra; his
devoted sons, Louis, Jack and Anthony Jr.; his grateful daughters-in-law, Carie
Ann, Carolyn and Amanda; his adoring grandchildren and great grandchildren,
Christina Martin (Michael), Louis Jr. (Melanie), Michelle, Alice, Jack Jr.,
Elias, Elizabeth, Gregory, Logan and Noah Martin; his sister, Jeanette; and so many
cousins, nieces and nephews who all admired and respected him. He is preceded
in death by his parents, Elias and Marguerite, and his sister, Lily Hazbun. His
family remains truly grateful for his caregivers Marta and Aida, for their
years of loving care, and for the many doctors and staff at Keck Hospital of
USC who worked so hard to give him the extra years to spend with his family.
A celebration of life will be held at St. Brendan Church (310 S. Van Ness Ave) in
Los Angeles on Saturday, June 25, 2022 at 2 pm. A celebration of life will be
planned in El Dorado Hills at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations can
be made in his memory to Four Homes of Mercy (www.fourhomesofmercy.com).
Above all, Tony valued Faith, Family and Fun. Nothing made
Tony happier than gathering his family and friends at his home with an
abundance of good food and laughter. In memory of Tony and his great zest for
life, please gather with your family around a bountiful home-cooked meal and
enjoy a great glass of red wine, or perhaps a shot of tequila.
