He also had success in the boxing ring where he spent time as an amateur boxer with the California State Athletic Commission.
He was a long time employee of Hewlett Packard which he retired from. He also spent 18 years as a member of the Army National Guard.
Tony was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was preceded in death by his wife of 37 years Raquel Cortez.
A previous resident of San Jose, CA Tony and Rachel moved to Stockton for a change of pace. They made many new lifelong friends that they adored.
He leaves behind his children: Ralph Cortez and Sally Burke Hadley; Antonio “Tony” and Andie Cortez; Frank Cortez; Diane & Diffric Jackson, Sofia Vallez & Eleanor Cortez. Grandchildren: Ezra Vallez; Damien Padilla, Vincent Cortez, Jazmyn Jackson, Devilin Padilla, Isaiah Jackson, Elijah Jackson, Dominic Padilla & Emma Jackson. Great grandchildren: Dominic Padilla Jr. & Matthew Vallez
He was also preceded in death by his sibilings: Eleanor Martinez, Lillian Rodriguez, Robert Cortez, Philip Cortez & Ralph Cortez.
He leaves behind brother Max Cortez of San Jose as well as many nieces and nephews.
The family request that in lieu of flowers donations be sent in his honor to the American Heart Association - https://donatenow.heart.org