Anthony S. Herrera

Anthony Sapien Herrera, 78, passed away peacefully with his family by his side at Kaiser Hospital in Santa Clara, CA on February 19, 2020 after a long hospitalization. He was born on December 18, 1941 in Livingston, CA, the son of Macedonio and Eufrosina Herrera.

Anthony graduated from Livingston High School in 1959. Shortly after high school, he moved to San Jose, where he resided for 60 years. He married Rosie Perales in 1965 and was blessed with two children, Antonino (Lori) and Madelyn, granddaughters Victoria, Contessa, Aurelia, and Moriah, and great-grandson Ethan. After he and Rosie parted ways, Anthony met Carolyn, and they shared their lives together for over 30 years until his passing. With Carolyn’s children, David and Denise, and their grandson, Maximus aka Miliano (only to Papa), their love and commitment formed a blended family.

Anthony started out in life as a ranch hand for his father in Livingston. After moving to San Jose, he had a couple of short-term jobs until he was hired by Pacific Gas and Electric Company. He worked at PG&E for almost 33 years where he was a Maintenance Foreman and Payroll Clerk. Due to his longevity at PG&E, he was sometimes known as “PG&E Tony.”

Anthony loved San Jose and the San Francisco Bay Area. In particular, he loved Bay Area sports: football, baseball, hockey; college or professional; Cal, Stanford, or San Jose State. But, without a doubt, his favorite teams were the San Francisco 49ers and the San Francisco Giants! He was also often referred to in the community as “49er Tony.” If he was not at a game, he would be glued to the TV set or listening on his favorite radio station, KNBR, the Sports Network! Over the years, Anthony has collected a wide assortment of Sports memorabilia, including jackets and jerseys, and posters and sports articles from the glory days of the Super Bowl wins of the 80s and the World Series wins of the 10s.

Moreover, Anthony was an avid BBQ enthusiast. He loved to BBQ for his family and friends, anywhere and anytime. In the 80s, he took his BBQ hobby further by working part time at several San Jose BBQ restaurants. He later started his own part time Bus Tour business to sporting events where he would set up large tailgate parties and BBQ for 50 or more people before and after games. His bus tours were very popular in the 80s and 90s. Anthony eventually developed his own unique BBQ spice and at the urging of many, he bottled and sold his “ASH’s” brand BBQ spice. Even until late 2019, you could find Anthony standing with his cane or walker beside a BBQ pit, cooking up short ribs and steaks for family and friends.

All who knew Anthony loved him. He was kind, quiet, and observant. Until the end, he remained an optimist. All who loved him will cherish his memory.

Funeral services will be held at Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary, 466 North Winchester Blvd, Santa Clara, CA 95050, 408-296-2977. Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 5th, from 5-7pm, followed by a Rosary service from 7-9pm. Visitation will also be held on Friday, March 6th, from 10-11am, followed by the funeral service from 11-12pm. Due to his love of Bay Areas sports, please wear your favorite Bay Area team attire to the funeral. He will be laid to rest at 12:30pm at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery, 490 Lincoln St, Santa Clara, CA 95050, 408-296-4656.