Tony also enjoyed a good card game and had a great sense of humor. I met him in 1968 as a new legal assistant in the AG’s office in Los Angeles. He probably played in our lunchtime hearts games. I remember once playing poker with him at your home. We missed him when he left for SD, along with Jeff Miller, another hearts player. Upon retirement, we both were affiliated with ADR Services.

Tony and I both started in the San Diego Office of the Attorney General in 1973 (Tony transferred from the LA office having spent 11 years handling all kinds of civil cases). Tony and his colleague, Tony Summers, worked on implementing the new environmental law (CEQA) and represented the California and San Diego Regional Coastal Commissions. The civil section of the San Diego AG's office was small but noteworthy including (Judge) Jeff Miller (the only man to hit a softball that went over my head), the late great Bill Winship (a jovial bear of a man who was a fixture with OMBAC and at the Beachcomber in South Mission) and Sam Spital (a whole separate story). I wasn't quite sure of everything the civil section did but I remember being so impressed with Tony- he was scholarly and such a good example of what a lawyer should be.
When Tony was Supervising Judge in Vista, he had the difficult assignment of implementing the new Fast Track system which included the filing of various documents and sticking to trial dates within one year of filing. Lawyers resisted and thought they could weasel out of the requirements. Judge Greer downtown took an "off with their heads" approach dismissing cases where the lawyers hadn't filed their documents (I personally saw this happen more than once). It was the judicial version of hitting the mule over the head with a 2x4. Tony was more of a velvet hammer. He was just matter of fact with the lawyers and it was clear he wouldn't put up with lawyers' excuses (I personally saw this too). Later, Tony was transferred to the Family Law court and his intellect and work ethic caused him to be the first judge to receive the Judicial Officer of the Year by the Family Law section of the State Bar. After he retired, Tony joined ADR where he mediated and arbitrated all kinds of different cases.
I didn't know that Tony was an avid swimmer and he didn't look like an athlete. But, he swam the Alcatraz to San Francisco "Sharkfest" race. He was also participated in the San Diego to Catalina Island relay race among others.
People used to confuse the two of us all the time. In fact, I learned about Tony's passing when some lawyers called me because they wanted me to mediate a case but heard that I had passed. (I guess they wanted to see if I answered the phone) Tony and I used to call ourselves "Brothers from a different mother."
Well, I said I would write a few words but that's not really possible when talking about Tony and I have only scratched the surface. The years that I spent in the AG's office interacting with outstanding lawyers in the civil and criminal division gave me the best training a lawyer could ask for. When I became the head of the Caltrans Legal Office, I tried to choose lawyers who were like them- bright, professional and nice people- people like Tony! His was a life well lived and I won't forget him.

I met Tony through my husband Tim Patterson who knew him through the office and their love of the ocean. Tony performed our marriage ceremony in my parents back yard in Glendale - his words were heartfelt and lovely! For many years, Tim paddled on his surfboard for Tony when Tony swam in rough water races - Tim was supposed to keep Tony heading in the right direction. Before a race, Tony and his buddy/competitor Pete Riddle would arrive early in the morning at our house, full of energy and looking forward to a day in the water.  After the race they would regale my son Joe and me with (tall) tales of their competition and who had the bragging rights for coming out on top that year. It was such fun! Tony and Joyce treated us to some very fine meals over the years - great food and even better conversations. When I first moved to San Diego, I didn't know many people, socially or professionally. Tony encouraged me to join Lawyers Club of San Diego. I did and met so many wonderful women and men members. It was the best advice Tony gave me - I made so many friends. 

I will miss his counsel, his sense of humor, his joy in the ocean, his endearing ways, and most of all his friendship. Sending much love to Joyce, Jennifer, John, and Jasmine.

Tony Joseph was my friend, family, role model, and mentor. I became best friends with his daughter Jennifer in 6th grade when the family moved to Del Mar. I was enchanted by Tony's collections. He had colorful antique Disney toys, political buttons, and children’s books. I had never seen anything like it. The Joseph family once kindly invited me to join them on a vacation in Yosemite. Tony knew the park like a best friend. Not only did we see deer and bears, he showed us secret waterfalls and trails. I was hooked. For many years, Tony was part of my beach life with his boogie board at 19th Street, always giving a salutary wave on his way into or out of the water. Tony’s love of the natural environment showed throughout his life and that impressed me. Tony also included me with his family one Easter for my first fancy brunch at Islandia where we had sherbet in between courses to clear our palette. I was terrified of committing a dining faux pas. It should be plain by now that I did not have the ability to reciprocate these invitations, yet Tony and his family continued to include me and those experiences changed my world. I will always remember the night Tony came home after being appointed to the San Diego Superior Court bench, becoming the Honorable Anthony C. Joseph. I bowled him over with an overenthusiastic hug—I was so proud of him. Years later, when I was a young lawyer, Tony gave me suggestions and advice. I will never forget his belly laugh and eye-crinkled smile during lunch at Dobson's where I whispered to him what I thought was a terrible secret: I told him that some lawyers lie. My, but he was entertained by my naïveté! As a lawyer, I also became familiar with his long term support for Lawyers Club, a professional organization dedicated to advancing the status of women in the law and society. Tony walked his talk. I also read some of his legal opinions and realized how fortunate I was to know and love such an intelligent and careful judge, someone with an innate sense of justice and fairness driving his interpretations and dedication to the law. It was a loss for all of us when he stepped down from the bench. In recent years, I occasionally saw Tony at UCSD’s Canyonview pool and I know he was still actively working for justice, seeking review of whether a racist's name should sit on a law school building. I regret I did not see him more. Luckily, his family allowed me some time with him at the end, so I could thank him for all of the ways he influenced my personal and professional life. I am forever grateful to him simply for being such a good and true man, and for being kind to me in ways that changed my perspectives. Tony will be forever missed. He and his family have all my love, always.

Tony,
It was a pleasure and an honor helping take care of you during your last days. I was inspired by your resilience and determination, even in the most difficult of times. Thank you for your kindness and friendship. I am grateful to have known you and for having had an opportunity to work with you. Rest in peace, my friend.

Hi Jazzy, Jennifer, and Joyce- this is a wonderful site to celebrate a wonderful life. I have enjoyed all the photos of Jazzy growing up with the people she loves. I wish you all strong memories-

XO- Pam Reynolds

I met Tony in 1974 when I was hired as a deputy in the criminal law division. He was a gentleman. His intelligence, excellent work, and gentle manner set him apart, even in an office of very smart, accomplished people.

It was an honor to know Tony and a pleasure to be in his company. I am so sorry for your loss. I hope your good memories of Tony bring you comfort now and joy in the future.  May his memory be eternal.
                                Pat Zaharopoulos
               

I am so grateful to have met you and your family. Thank you for letting me take care of you, Tony, as your caregiver. You were cooperative and always tried your best to get better.
Your family loves you and I know that you love them so much, most especially your grand daughter Jasmine. I remember every time I told you, “Please open your eyes Tony, Jasmine loves you”, You always opened your eyes and looked at Jasmine's photo.
You will be missed and thank you for the wonderful memories.

My fondest memories of Tony will always revolve around water. I remember that first moment when I first met him walking through the garage and seeing the surfboards on the rafters. Just a few hours later we were on the beach at Del Mar and I noticed a certain glow to his face from his being near and showing me that water for the first time. Witnessing Tony in the water, whether swimming in La Jolla Cove or to Alcatraz or across the Golden Gate or in the UC San Diego swimming pool, there was always that glow and aliveness, along with a certain focus and tenacity.

Frequently when I’m sitting on the shores of Tomales Bay I think of Tony as I witness a long distance swimmer pacing themselves and am always amazed at the strength it takes to stay in the water so long. I try to imagine what they're thinking all that time in the water. Whenever I see these swimmers in the future I will remember Tony and the vitality that water gave him and can give us all.

Besides his relationship to the water, I was touched by his deep relationship to his mother, his sister and brother, his family, and in particular the pride and joy Jazmin you gave him in recent years. I think of his appreciation and passion for so many things: looking at photographs of his ancestors, hunting for political buttons and first edition children’s books, eating vegetables and fruit from Chino’s and meals at nice restaurants, talking politics, going to the theater. He truly enjoyed his life. He didn’t even get mad at Kate, his sister and I when we “lost” him after he’d swum from one side of the Golden Gate Bridge to the other where he was alone and lost in his wetsuit without his glasses, shoes, or a wallet. And I’ll always remember his grace and love officiating at our wedding. 

He clearly could have had a big ego given all he accomplished in his life but he wasn’t full of himself at all. I only saw him being a “regular” person and imagined was himself wherever he was. I think Josh my son summed it up recently when he said, “Tony was such a great guy.”

I know that he struggled the last months not being able to get up and continue to swim a longer life, though I imagine it must have given him great comfort to be in the beautiful home he created with you, Joyce, surrounded by the things and people that meant so much to him.

I’m so deeply grateful that Tony was in my life

Steve Costa
Tony’s Brother-in-law

Hello,
Please feel free to leave notes, memories and stories of Tony here or in the story section. Also, if you would like to add any photos, that would be wonderful... his family would love that. I think that this site will let you add in photos. If not, please let me know and I can post them up for you. We will be having a Celebration of Life for Tony in a month or two. We will post details here. Looks like late July or early August but still confirming.
Thank you, Jennifer Joseph