Tony Nunes

A memorial service will be held at 11:30 AM on Friday, February 2, 2024 at Oak Hill Memorial, Chapel of the Oaks, 300 Curtner Ave., San Jose, CA. Burial - immediately following service. Reception - 12:30 to 4:00 PM at Three Flames Restaurant 1547 Meridian Ave., San Jose, CA.

Tony was born the third of four children to Antone and Beatrice Nunes in Santa Clara, CA on March 10, 1932. Tony and his siblings Josephine, Margaret and Ed began the Nunes first generation in America, from Portugal. He began school having spoken only Portuguese at home.

A proud graduate of Santa Clara High School (1950), he continued his education at College of the Sequoias, and went on to earn his Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree and Teaching Credential from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo (1955).

Athletics and education were the cornerstones of his passion, purpose and profession. A standout multi-sport athlete Tony grew up on the ranch lands of the Santa Clara Valley. Ranch chores, school and family were all priorities before sports. Tony’s focus and organization made for long fulfilling days.

In 1952 Tony married and began his family of four boys; Ken (Denise), Steve, Rick, Bob (Marcy). The starting 5 was complete with his step-son Brian Milam in 1995 when Tony married his wonderful wife, best friend and soul mate, Margaret.

Tony began his career in education uniquely, starting the first school, as principal, for California Men’s Colony. He was the first basketball coach at Sunnyvale High, and first basketball coach at De Anza College. For all the many wins, championships, California Community College Hall of Fame and career accolades; education, excellence and growth of his players is what mattered most. On the court and in the classroom is where he made a positive difference.

Keeping stats was a keen aspect of coaching. His favorite stat: In 37 years of coaching a college graduation rate of, 78% “that was really my won~loss record.”

He loved the game of life, card games, races, and enjoying time with friends and family. “The older you get, the better you were”, and “You are only as good as the day you play” he’d often say.

During summer vacations from teaching he was an award winning life insurance and tax shelter salesman. The awards for Presidents club meant luxurious vacations all over the world. He did a year’s work in 3 months, for many years.

After retirement from coaching Tony served as commissioner of the Santa Clara Valley Athletic League for over 20 years. He guided the merger of two leagues to form the first SCVAL division based league. As its first commissioner, that ‘super league’, structure is still in place today. Tony was a champion of high school student athletics and was a part of the rich history of Santa Clara Valley athletic community.

Tony held many titles in his life; Coach, Dad, AJ, The Warden. He loved most being “Gramps” to his Grandchildren Ben, Lisa (Mike), Erin (Matt), Ryan (Madison), Isabelle, Alex (Taylor); and “Great” Gramps to Olivia, Shepherd and Jack.

Forever in our hearts