Anthony John Zaninovich

The only child of Andrew A Zaninovich and Betty Doty Zaninovich, “Tonk” or “Tonky” was born on April 26, 1950. He lived his entire life on his family farm near Delano surrounded by his puppy Barney, his peacocks and the orange trees he tended with great pride.

Tonky attended St. Mary’s School in Delano and graduated from Delano High School in 1968. He attended Bakersfield Junior College and went on to Cal State Fresno where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree and Masters degree in Mathematics. After achieving his Masters, he taught math at Fort Miller Jr. High School in Fresno. Later, he returned to the family farm to begin working with his father and uncle at A & N Zaninovich managing the family’s table grapes and citrus crops.

His adult years defined him as an integral member of the Delano community, and a friend beloved by all. He loved Delano and the people who lived there. He was involved at the Delano Elks Lodge, St. Mary’s Church, Delano Toastmasters and the American Slavonic Social Club. He was also an accomplished ballroom dancer.

During the 1980’s, Tonky began his involvement in the Delano Elks Lodge #1761 displaying the leadership and competence to be named the Exalted Ruler (ER) not once but twice during the 1990’s. He later took the office of Secretary, a position which he proudly held for over 25 years. He also served on various district committee chairmanships for the East Central District in addition to numerous Lodge chairmanships.

Anthony knew the Elks ceremonies by heart and was the Lodge’s ritual coach for many years. One of the highlights of his Elks career was during his first term as ER, where he presided over the initiation of approximately 100 new Elks members serving as the Grand Exalted Ruler for the District in the presence of the National Grand Exalted Ruler, Don Dupelo from Coalinga. No one knew the procedures and protocols of the Elks better than Tonky.

In addition to his responsibilities as an officer of the Lodge, Anthony worked on many other fundraising projects, Lodge events and committees. He was always ready to help with an event and could usually be found in the front of the food line to collect the fees. His famous line of “Tonight it is a mere ten bucks” will never be forgotten. He was a proud member of the Elks for 50 years and led a life exemplified by the Elks tenets of charity, fellowship and brotherly love.

As a member of St. Mary’s Church, he followed in his mother’s footsteps by becoming a lector and Eucharistic Minister. Tonky could always be seen in the front pews alongside his parents during mass either at St. Mary’s or St. Vincent’s in Richgrove. He attributed his confidence as a lector to his extensive time spent as a member of Toastmasters, where he perfected his public speaking skills. This talent served him throughout his life of community service.

Tonky also served as a board of director and assistant Secretary/Treasurer at the American Slavonic Social Club in Delano, and he was a member of the All-American Slavonic Association since 1989. He could always be found at the Wednesday Luncheons and at special club functions when they occurred.

In 2009, Tonky was honored to lead the Delano Harvest Holidays celebration as Grand Marshal, another example of how people viewed his devotion to the city of Delano. His family always turned to him with “Delano questions”, as he was a walking encyclopedia of all people and things of Delano.

He was our “North Star”, a remarkable man of kindness, integrity, and strength. His heart was bigger than his height. He was the most devoted son, beloved cousin and friend that ever walked this earth. He was loved, respected and admired by all who knew him and was the perfect example of how people should treat one another.

It is said that no one is irreplaceable, but they didn’t know Tonky.

Anthony is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his Auntie Anna Zaninovich, Aunt Lilian Doty, cousins Nikki Bianchi, Melissa Fontana, Maryann Billings, Donna Hochschild, Marty Zaninovich, Dianne Barrymore, Melissa Smith-Zaninovich, Rob Doty, Melanie Ann Doty, Daria Randolph, Andrea Martin and their families.

A viewing will be held from 3:00 to 6:00 pm February 23rd at Delano Mortuary. Mass of Christian burial will take place on February 24th at St. Mary’s Church in Delano at 9:00 am. Interment will be at Reedley District Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to any of the following charities.

St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Parkinson's Foundation, Inc., Alzheimer's Research Foundation, Inc., American Cancer Society, Wounded Warrior Project.

He was fiercely proud of his Croatian and Irish heritage, so it only feels appropriate to conclude with….

“May the road rise to meet you.

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sunshine warm upon your face.

May the rains fall upon your fields.

And until we meet again,

May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.”

Zivjeli Tonky! We love you.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.delanomortuary.com for the Zaninovich family. Services entrusted to Delano Mortuary, a Dignity Memorial provider.