Anthony "Tony" Garcia Canez

Glendale – Tony G. Cañez was born December 26, 1924 to Antonio and Luz Cañez in Litchfield, Arizona. Tony was a man of extraordinary talents who could never live an ordinary life. He was proud to grow up in Glendale from humble beginnings with his siblings (Francisca, Eloisa, Aurora, Alfredo, Bertha and Consuelo) living through the Great Depression.

His athleticism and competitiveness playing multiple sports made him a standout that would endure through adulthood. At 17, after his sophomore year in high school, he volunteered for the Army to fight in World War II. Initially part of the tank destroyer battalion as a tank gunner, he volunteered for a new division of ski troopers that would become the 10th Mountain Division training at Camp Hale, Colorado. Sent to Italy in 1944, he fought with the 85th Infantry Regiment in the Apennines and Po Valley distinguishing himself by being awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his heroics near Mt. Belvedere.

Tony was a quiet, humble man; but his stories of the war were riveting. Once discharged, the army paid for his training as a tailor. Through his entrepreneurship and drive, he came to purchase his own drycleaners in Glendale. He married his adored and beloved wife, Polly, who would have seven daughters sharing a bustling home. After selling his cleaners in Glendale, he worked at Nick’s Cleaners on 7th Street in Phoenix and his keen sense of business would lead him to purchase it and change the name to Tony’s Cleaners. His family business proudly served the community for decades becoming a staple for locals, but he generously gave back to those throughout the valley until hisretirement in 1997 at the age of 72.

Tony passed away peacefully of natural causes in the presence of his family on June 3rd, 2021. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, siblings, one granddaughter (Jacque) and his loving wife, Polly. He is survived by his daughters Patsy (Freddy), Virginia, Nancy, Rose (Rich), Anna (Freddie), Julie and Sylvia (Mike) along with 15 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and brother, Alfredo. He is supported by his cherished, long-time companion, Juanita and the entire Castañeda family. Tony was most proud of his family and the service to his country. From his family, their gratitude of having him in their lives is beyond expression as he was the epitome of integrity, honor and dedication. And for his service to his country, a grateful nation will be forever in his debt. A Mass will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Glendale (5614 W Orangewood Ave) at 10 am on Thursday, June 10th. A military graveside service will be held at Resthaven Cemetery followed by a luncheon at Glendale Civic Center, 5750 W. Glenn Drive, Glendale, AZ 85301. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St, Phoenix, AZ 85014.