I miss Tony very much, but I thought of him today in particular during a long drive from Southern California to the middle of Arizona to visit my daughter and her husband. Tony died shortly after Kelly and Daniel got married and Daniel never had a chance to meet him, which is a shame. But then, anyone who never met Tony has missed out. 

Some people come into our lives and have a deep impact. Some do it fiercely in a very short time, and some do it slowly, and without you fully noticing. For me, Tony was the latter; somehow, his soul was outside of his body. He masqueraded as a normal guy; owns trucks, loves fishing, a good neighbor. But now that he’s gone it is so apparent that he was a spirit beyond our logical understanding.

Tony,
Arya, Jeff and I think of you often! We miss you and hope you are enjoying being free from illness and the constraints of physical world. Thank you for all that you have given us and continue to teach us.

Tamar

We love you and we miss you, Tony. You've been in my heart for this past year, and you always will be.

We continue to miss you and carry your memory. Your love of nature, your sense of humor, and your like of pretentiousness are something to emulate
xo Marianne

It's been a long and crazy year without you, Tony. We're looking forward to sharing memories and tears over dinner, wishing you were here to join us. (Of course, the dinner would also be tastier if you were doing the cooking!)

Great videos - it takes a brave man to vigorously rub a cat’s belly!

I waited a few days to listen (until I felt like a good cry). Tony was such a sweetheart and I'm so thankful that he was in all out lives. Of course he still is - and always will be.

Happy Birthday to Tony
You are always in our thoughts.

Your love and light continue in our hearts

Marianne

I was Tony's mailman for nearly 13 years. We would always have a laugh together about anything. It would really make my day when we ran into each other.
Tony will be missed by all. Tony is now resting with the Lord. I pray for his eternal rest, free from any pain.

He'll ways be remembered for his big heart, always there as a friend. One of the most humanitarian people on earth.
Forever in my heart!! Lucky to have shared part of my life with him.

Tony always gave of himself - his humor, his body, and his love to the people of Cornerstone.

I remember first finding out that Tony and Nancy were dating. Seeing him bring flowers to Nancy left me grinning all day. It was so good to see and feel love and joy in the building. I thought, “Here are two of the kindest people I know and they found each other.” You two complement each other so well and had so many similar traits.

I am sitting here in tears.. of sadness for the loss of a beautiful human being. This world needs more folks like Tony- especially today. 

Thank you for sharing this big guy with a heart of gold with us.

I will remember Tony's smile the most. He had that kind of wit that would get you to smile no matter what kind of day you were having. In his quiet, humble manner he cared for us all. It was a good day when we got a chance see Tony around school. Your presence will be missed, Tony. Be at peace.

The Tony whom we came to know and appreciate:
A big man with as big a heart – open with strength and care to help all who came to him, both in and outside of the Cornerstone community.
A unique family name reflecting his GOOD nature and skillset – in dealing with a contractor’s challenges with broad knowledge, infinite patience, and masterful skills.
As Tony rests in God’s everlasting arms, we will miss his physical presence, but will always keep him dear to our hearts.
Chanson and Genevieve Lau

I would describe Tony as “behind the scene person”. Tony will quietly help others, lend support when needed, and protect when there is concern. Tony had been steady in his work all these years with Cornerstone. His unassuming nature humbles us. An example to follow.

Tony always had a big smile and a caring heart every time I saw him. He was full of joy and helpful to everyone, a willing servant of Christ. All we had to do was call him and he would be right there! We never had to be anxious about inspectors at Cornerstone Academy, because he was always there to help us. - Mamie

I can still remember how Tony and I talked about Christ at the restaurant one day. He was very interested and receptive in hearing the Gospel. On that day, he chose to accept Christ into his heart. After the prayer, he was so joyful and happy. We will look forward to seeing him in Heaven. We miss his presence. - Clifford

Nancy, we are thinking and praying for you. - Clifford and Mamie

I was fortunate enough to meet Tony during Trevor’s college graduation in Washington DC. I remember Tony being kind with a great sense of humor! I also remember Tony being very easy to talk to; in a short period of time during dinner Tony told me all about his family and upbringing in PA. I thought to myself how wonderful that Nancy was able to share her life with such an awesome loving spirit. My thoughts and prayers go out to Nancy, Trevor and Tony’s family.

I am very fortunate to have had Tony join our family. He was a kind, funny and welcoming soul, and I'm so happy that he and Nancy found each other. I will miss him, but his truly good nature and love of life will continue to inspire me.

Tony always had a kind word or funny story for me when we saw each other at school. I will miss his kindness and especially his wonderful sense of humor.  God blessed Tony with the ability to help many people in his lifetime and his generosity will be remembered by many people. Tony is enjoying his time with God now and I hope he has an abundance of fishing spots too.

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: 1 Peter 4:8-10

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

I’m not sure Tony would have ever admitted that he answered the call to serve but he did, and did so with quiet confidence and humility. He spent the last third of his life repairing, expanding and building Cornerstone’s many places. He could be asked to fix a door one day, the next it could be to double the size of the sanctuary, convert a hotel into a senior facility, or seismically retrofit an entire building, and somehow, he would make it happen. Today, each time a student, teacher, staff, or congregant sets foot inside a Cornerstone building they are stepping into a place Tony’s hands had touched and made ready for their use. Tony was a blessing that God provided that we can never be thankful enough for. My prayer is that Tony is now, in God’s hands, enjoying his well-deserved rewards. Tony will be missed.

Tony was a beautiful man inside and out. He had a heart of gold, and his smile was infectious. It was a true blessing to work with him for many years and watching him to fall in love with Nancy, his wife made us happy to know he found love. Tony loved his kids. He would talk about them with such endearment. Even though, we no longer work together, he would always be willing to give me advice and help me out personally. I will miss you. I will see one day again Tony.

We will all miss Tony. He was an example of a life well-lived and what it means to be human: loving, kind. funny, resilient, and above all generous!
xo Marianne

"Forever missed" is apt. Tony was a wonderful addition to our extended family. A big personality and a big heart...my siblings and I always enjoyed spending time with him at family gatherings. I enjoyed his humor, kindness, and salt-of-the-earth frank humor. Grateful to have known him. Rest in peace, Tony.

Tony was a wonderful man, and named as appropriately as if he had been a character in a novel: he was truly Good. He was good for my sister, Nancy, just as Nancy was good for him. He died too young, but I'm grateful for the nearly twenty years that he and Nancy had together.

For anyone wishing to make a donation in Tony's honor, please send it to: 

Donor Network West
12667 Alcosta Blvd., Suite 500
San Ramon, CA 94583

https://www.donornetworkwest.org/

Tony and I began donating to this organization after getting to know the family of his liver donor, Robert Anderson, and they told us about its good work. He was a young man - about the age of Tony's youngest child - when he was killed in a car accident. The quote "Love always hopes" is from Robert's favorite Bible passage: 1 Corinthians 13. 

Tony had a big personality, and an amazing will to live. He bounced back from two major surgeries for liver cancer, in 2013 and 2018. He was busy and active, full of hopes and plans - especially plans to travel - the final two years of his life. The suddenness of his death has made it hard to believe because he seemed able to recover from anything. He died of an apparent heart attack while taking a nap. Though he would have liked to stay with us longer, it is also true that he would have preferred a quick, easy death in his sleep. I am full of sorrow at his loss, but, for Tony, "there is no more death or mourning or crying or pain" (Rev. 21:4, NIV).