Anthony Tony F. Porzio

Everyone’s life is the sum total of all of the people they have met, the things they have done, the places they have gone. Anthony Frank Porzio was no exception. He was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew him best, Tony will be remembered as a very exceptional person.

Tony’s life journey began on November 23, 1921. He first greeted the world in Little Italy, Brooklyn, New York. Growing up for Tony was an involving experience. It allowed him to learn and grow and create all kinds of memories.

A lot of what shaped Tony’s life was how he was raised. He was raised with two siblings. As a young boy, Tony had a number of interests. He was curious about the world around him and was often eager to explore it.

In school, Tony learned many things and made many friends. He attended P. S. 75. Tony managed to accomplish many things as a child, both in and out of the classroom. However, to Tony, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with his friends.

Falling in love is a huge milestone for any person. Just knowing that you have met that special someone is a magical feeling. Tony experienced that with Susan Elizabeth Frier. Susan was working at Griswold's Restaurant when Tony came in and that was their first meeting. Tony and Susan met in Colton at a park and then went to lunch for their very first date.

Tony exchanged wedding vows with Susan on September 27, 1988. Tony and Susan were married at a court house with Tony's daughters, Jean and Elaine. in attendance. Their reception was held at Harry C's Restaurant in Redlands, Susan's mother, in her 80's, had a wedding knife for them and security took her into a room to question her.

After the wedding, the couple enjoyed their first few days together as husband and wife during their honeymoon. Tony and Susan went to Las Vegas, Nevada for their honeymoon, it was Susan's first visit to Las Vegas.

Empathic and loyal, Tony was committed to making his new family happy. It is true that during those early years the couple lived modestly, but they were happy nonetheless. Their first residence was in Colton and then later they moved to Riverside,.

It can be said that you can tell a lot about a person by their friends. Tony and Susan had a number of good friends, Tony and Susan were very blessed to have such good friends, there are just too many to name. Almost everyone was involved in their lives, between Las Vegas, Laughlin, horseback racing, poker and many get togethers. In addition to these friends, the couple also had Trip, a wild cat, but had to get rid of him. They later had Mitzie, whom they had for 16 years. Tony and Susan absolutely loved Mitzie, she was their "child".

Tony was a man who took pride in upholding his beliefs. So it's little wonder that he took an active role in his neighborhood and community. Tony was involved with several churches, but for many years St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Beaumont.

While everything a person does in life contributes to who they grow into, it is ultimately this same person who holds the most influence on the next generation. Tony worked hard to be a good father to his children and he did his best to fulfill their needs. Tony was blessed with five children, Ann Marie, Anthony Jr., Alan, Jean and Elaine. He worked hard toward raising his children in a positive and nurturing environment. Tony was also blessed with 17 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

Tony enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for him to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things.

How a person performs in the workplace can be a reflection on how they live their life. Fortunately, Tony enjoyed what he did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Tony worked diligently and did his best to succeed in each of his jobs. While he worked several jobs over his life, Tony’s primary occupation was working as an Air Traffic Controller at La Guardia in New York. Tony had several jobs right out of the service, one was delivering lumber. Probably the most unique or interesting job Tony ever held was delivering milk with his dad and hauling ice.

Though Tony didn’t work for accolades, he was recognized for a job well done. He trained air traffic controllers at Kennedy airport when it first opened. He was in management and when he became disabled he was assistant chief at La Guardia.

Tony always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done. On the job, he met Hank and Ginger. He had so many stories about them, especially Ginger.

Tony enlisted in the Army/Air Corp on August 10, 1942. He achieved the rank of Sergeant before being honorably discharged on January 10, 1946. He directed air traffic at an army base and landing field. He served in the South Pacific. He earned several awards recognizing him for his accomplishments, including several medals but sadly they have been lost. His fellow soldiers viewed him as a brother in arms and knew that he was as much a part of their family as their loved ones back home.

A person's hobbies often mirror who they have become. Tony enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in a number of different activities, including working with his hands, playing in the garage and especially RVing. He just loved swap meets! He was usually willing to share his interests with others.

Like all people, Tony had his favorite things in life. Tony loved California, the fall and the color maroon. He loved cool clear days.

When it came to entertainment, Tony enjoyed a number of different things. Tony enjoyed war movies and musicals from the past. Tony loved Frank Sinatra, 40's music and Bluegrass music. He also enjoyed good food and drink, such as Pizza, Eggplant Parmigiana and Spaghetti and Meatballs. He loved Gin Martinis and Chianti Wine.

Tony enjoyed sports and athletics. He loved horse racing. He loved to go to the races, he always bet on horses named "cat". He loved to watch Horse racing and in the last two years the L. A. Lakers.

A person’s faith says a great deal about them. Some people are raised with strong beliefs while others garner them throughout their life. Tony’s faith was important to him. He was raised a Catholic and later became an Episcopalian.

Even in retirement, Tony continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new ones. He had so many friends, but closest to him were Ron Taylor, Tony Pena, Jack Raper, Louise Carroll, Clayton Rutherford, Dan Colby, Leonard Jaglowski, Richard Peterson, Don Reneker, Ed Jolly, Vince Oddo, Robert Barrus, Fr. Bill Dunn, Don Sax, Beverly La Guardia and Dorrie Herring. He had so many memories! He loved talking to them, he loved intellectual conversations, Beverly, and horse racing! During these golden years, Tony also had other, smaller friends, including his cat Mitzie whom he absolutely loved.

Tony was active in his new community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered him. Tony was involved with his church. Tony voted but wasn't involved in political activities.

Tony Porzio left us on April 17, 2011. He passed away Cherry Valley Health Care in Banning, California. He was 89 years old. He was preceded in death by his father, mother and brother. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, step-children, step-grandchildren and one sister. Services were handled by Weaver Mortuary & Crematory in Banning, California. Tony was laid to rest at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California.

So this is Tony’s life, the sum of the man that he became. Simply stated, Tony was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being caring and giving, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Tony leaves behind him a legacy of lifelong friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life Anthony Frank Porzio touched will always remember him with a smile.