Anthony Liveright Hecht

If you knew Tony, you adored him. He touched the hearts of many, and had a personality that was infectious. He made everyone feel special, happy and loved. He was truly interested in getting to know every single person he encountered.

His humor was unmatched: quick-witted, inappropriate and perfectly-timed. His impersonations were exceptional. Total knee-slappers. Everyone who knew him, has a “Tony” story that brings a smile to their face. He was forever young.

He was a successful man in many ways, but his greatest success was the light he brought to everyone around him. He was the jolly man in the room, with the inevitable stain on his shirt, and a pocket full of candy. He was admired, and so unbelievably charming.

The gap in his smile, a ballpoint pen tucked into the collar of his polo shirt, and the Apple product attached to his hip (literally), were Tony’s everyday staples. Tony loved fast cars, a steakhouse dinner, the USC marching band, the word “fabulous”, photography, and a “good deal”.

Tony’s daughters were his trophies. He loved his girls with every ounce of his soul. If you knew him, you knew them; and all of their successes, entrepreneurial ventures and wins in life. He was their greatest cheerleader. He was so proud of his GEMs - Erin Brown (Mike), Genevieve Tuenge (Joseph), and Madeline Thompson (Justin) who have survived him.

Tony lived a full, wonderful 73 years of life. He was born on June 5, 1947 in Buffalo, N.Y. to Harold & Elizabeth Hecht. Then moved to Los Angeles in 1958 where he spent the remainder of his childhood. He attended the Harvard/Westlake High School in Los Angeles, and graduated from the University of Denver with a degree in Business in 1969.

Tony followed in the family tradition of retail. He began with The Denver Dry Goods; then moved to Phoenix in 1970. He was a menswear buyer with Goldwaters, Diamonds, Broadway Southwest and Smittys.

Tony’s true passion was construction, so he made the career change to that of a home inspector in 1996. Tony Hecht Enterprises was born. He was a member of SEVRAR, ASHI, and served as AZ ASHI Treasurer for several years.

Tony loved his family, and left behind a legacy. He was survived by his grandchildren Kyla & Sam Brown, Evelyn Tuenge, and Scout & Winston Thompson, who called him Topah. Also surviving are his siblings: H. Michael Hecht of Pasadena, Ca. and Suzanne Hecht Goldstein of Los Angeles.

Tony was married to Stephanie Pearcy in 1972, Mary Poulsen in 1986, and Mary McGoldrick Kelly in 2014.

In honor of Tony, we prompt you to reach out to your loved ones. Tell them how much they mean to you and get to know them more. Life is short, and time is more precious than ever.

Tony’s motto to live by: Life is uncertain, eat dessert first.