Antonio Torres Avila

May 8, 1953 – April 13, 2018

Antonio (Tony) Torres Avila, 64, passed away Friday April 13, 2018, in San Jose, California. Tony was the fifth child of twelve children born from Juan Avila and Maria de la Luz Torres. He was born in the Rancho Jesus Maria, which is part of Tlaltenango de Sanchez Roman, Zacatecas Mexico. He immigrated to San Jose, CA with his family when he was three years old. Tony is survived by his two sons, Tony Jr. and John Avila, five grandchildren, Ali, Tony, Sarah, Anita and Johnny, his father, Juan Avila and his siblings, Margarita Avila, Maria Avila de Gutierrez, Teresa Avila, Juanita Avila, Julie Avila and Enrique Avila.

When Tony was in his early 20s he met Marian Romero who lived on the same street one block over, on Jerome Street, in San Jose near Biebrach Park, also known as Barrio Horseshoe. They had both lived on the same street for over 10 years when fate brought them together. Soon they married and had two sons, Tony Jr. and John Avila. As a family they enjoyed going to the movies, going out to dinner (Chinese food), and going to thrift shops, flea markets and garage sales.

In his early 30s Tony began struggling with mental illness. Tony also had a speech impediment, but by the grace of God, doctors, family and friends Tony got through his daily challenges.

On a positive note Tony was very creative and mechanically inclined. In his younger days he customized quite a few cars inside and out. One of his strengths was installing sunroofs and adding custom windows to vans. He did this type of work before sunroofs became popular. Tony built Go Karts from scraps, he customized and fixed bikes, and was a gifted handy man and shared gifts with family and friends. He was also very artistic and loved to draw, especially cartoon characters. His favorites were Mickey & Minnie Mouse, Donald & Daffy Duck, and Pinocchio, amongst many other cartoon characters. Tony also enjoyed listening to a variety of music, especially old school music.

Another important aspect in Tony’s life was that he had faith in God and received Christ as his Savior. About 12 years ago, Tony became more dedicated to serving Christ and was baptized at the First Apostolic Church. Even though he had his daily challenges in his walk with the Lord, he tried very hard to walk in the Lord’s ways.

Some of you might know that Tony had a long stay in the hospital and while he was hospitalized he drew pictures for everyone whom he came in contact with, such as receptionists at doctors' offices, and the nursing staff and the doctors at Valley Medical Center. He also shared his favorite music with hospital staff. During Tony's long hospitalization at VMC many nurses and doctors became very fond of him because of his mild manner, gentleness and courteous ways.

Tony will be remembered and missed by family members, old friends and new friends.