Anthony "Tony" Dan Radovich, Sr. was born to Gene and Ruth Radovich in Delano, California, on February 7, 1945. He passed away peacefully on October 2, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada, surrounded by his loving wife and children.
Tony graduated from Delano High School in 1964 and went on to attend Bakersfield College. Tony was a man of many trades, always learning and trying new things. Throughout his life, he earned many vocational certifications in fields such as bartending, truck driving, and massage therapy, pursuing careers in each. Tony's early years were spent working at his father's table grape vineyard, RADOVICH AND SONS. He later retired from Ryan Instruments after 28 years of service before becoming a licensed massage therapist and a long-haul truck driver.
Tony was married to Janie Andreotti from 1965 to 1969; together they had a son, Tony Jr., born in 1967. In 1970, he married his sweetheart from third grade, Patti Redfern. They had two children: Tonya, born in 1975, and Chris, born in 1976, who sadly passed away in 1996. During 54 years of marriage, Tony and Patti lived in various places including Bakersfield, Delano, California Hot Springs / Sequoia National Forest, Florence, Oregon and most recently Las Vegas.
In his later years, Tony avidly pursued boating and fishing and was proudly featured in a fish & game magazine for the biggest catch in the Florence area. Known for his sense of humor and friendly conversation, Tony was loved for his kindness, whimsy and adventurous spirit. A collector of hats, t-shirts, and model cars, Tony was also an active member of local car clubs. He owned many “collectible” cars over the years including a Model T, MGB, Jaguar, Camaro, Corvette Grand Sport, and his most prized former possession, a 1963 ½ Mustang which he often boasted was the “first Mustang in the state of California.”
Tony was preceded in death by his son, Christopher Radovich; his brother, Michael Radovich; his father Gene Radovich; his mother Ruth Howard (nee Moreland) and stepfather Ainsley Howard. He is survived by his wife, Patricia (nee Redfern), his son Anthony “Tony” Radovich, Jr. (Angela); his daughter, Tonya Ruby (David); his sisters: Ann "Sugie" Verwey and Patty Toews; his grandchildren: Shauntee Hegemier, Chanel Carpenter, Gavin Ruby, Piper Ruby, Chase Badgley, Hunter Rose Radovich, and his beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.
Chapel and Graveside services will be held on Monday, October 28th at 1pm at Hillcrest Memorial Park, 9101 Kern Canyon Rd., Bakersfield, CA 93306.
Anthony will be laid to rest at Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery in Garden of Peace.
You can send your sympathy in the guestbook provided and share it with the family. You may also light a candle in honor of Anthony Dan Radovich or send a beautiful flower arrangement to the funeral service.
Fond memories and condolences may be shared at www.hillcrestmemorial.com
