John "Tony" Anthony Adame Jr.

February 22, 1949 -- April 26, 2023

It is with immense sadness that the family of John Anthony Adame, Jr. (Tony), 74, announce his recent passing, on April 26, 2023, from a hard-fought battle with cancer. Tony slipped away peacefully at home in Redlands, California, surrounded by family.

Tony was born on February 22, 1949, in San Bernardino, California, to his parents, John and Angelina Adame. He was the third-born of six children, Tony being the only son. Raised in Colton, nicknamed “Wallo,” Tony graduated from Colton High School in 1967. Soon after, he joined the Air Force and served for two years. He then worked for and retired from the City of Redlands. He started a second career as a palm tree broker during his retirement and was known as the “palm tree guy.”

In 1983, he met his future wife, and they were married in 1988. Tony and Kelly were together for 40 years. Tony referred to Kelly as “his rock and best friend.”

Tony was a devoted husband to his wife, Kelly, an adoring father to son Jonah and daughter Lindsey, a proud grandfather to his five grandchildren and one great-grandson, and a loving brother to his five sisters. A loyal friend to many, Tony never met a stranger, and everybody loved him.

Tony has experienced many health issues over the years, including a successful liver transplant in 2002 that saved his life and allowed him to live another 21 years until he became ill in 2022. Through it all, he was always the medical personnel’s favorite patient. Always cracking jokes and, of course, bringing food and donuts to all the staff.

With a caring and tremendous heart, Tony always put others before himself. He was known for his great sense of humor, funny sayings, and ability to bring joy and laughter to those around him. He had a love for gardening, sports, and music. You could always find him in his yard with his classic rock blaring.

He will be profoundly missed and not forgotten by anyone fortunate to have known him.

Tony is preceded in death by his parents, John and Angelina Adame. He leaves behind his wife, Kelly; his children, Jonah and his wife, Dana; Lindsey and her husband, Joseph. He is also survived by his grandchildren Landon Turley, Tehya Perdigon, Gavin Adame, Paisley Adame, Romi Lemus; his great-grandson Malakai Perdigon; his sisters Carla Botello, Olga Ponce, Mikki Castell, Yolanda Nichy, Christina Bott; his mother-in-law Joan Smith. Also surviving him are many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dozens of loyal, lifetime friends.

Join us for a celebration of his life on Thursday, May 11, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at Montecito Memorial Park and Mortuary - Valley View Chapel; Burial at 2:30 p.m. at Montecito Memorial Park. Reception to follow.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.montecitomemorialparkandmortuary.com for the Adame family.