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Anthony Valerio Obituary
Anthony "Tony" Michael Valerio was born on Aug. 14, 1957, in Fort Monmouth, N.J.
He passed away on June 4, 2011, from injuries sustained in the line of duty as a firefighter and paramedic in San Francisco. Station 26 was Anthony's second home, and home away from home, where he helped serve the people of San Francisco with his fellow firefighters, who lost not only a fellow firefighter, but a brother. Anthony died doing the job he loved, at the age of 53.
He is survived by his loving parents, Lorraine and Frank; adoring sisters, Jacqueline, Donna, Marina and Laura; admiring brothers, Mark and Kevin; dear brother-in-law of Bill Walkup, Tim Samsel, Lynda Valerio and Joe Fanfa; nephews, Austin and Jared Samsel, Kevin Mullins and Thomas Walkup; nieces, Melissa Walkup and Stephanie Dumm; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He is also loved and remembered by his former wife, Ellen; and friends the world over. Firefighters, paramedics and police officers citywide in San Francisco will no doubt always remember him.
Anthony grew up in South San Francisco and graduated from El Camino High School, Class of 1975. He attended San Francisco State University, where he earned an associate's degree.
He started his public service in 1980 at Acme Western as an EMT in Oakland, Calif. In 1984, he was hired on with the San Francisco Department of Public Health as a paramedic. When they merged with the San Francisco Fire Department in 1987, he became a firefighter/paramedic. The outpouring of love for his family from the city of San Francisco, SFFD and SFPD is something very much appreciated and that won't soon be forgotten.
Tony was arguably the happiest person you would have ever met. Tony was known as a character with a quick wit and an uncanny talent for finding humor and lifting your spirits. He was a shining star amongst San Francisco's courageous and dedicated firefighters. Tony's life was an adventure, filled with friends, family and interests. His interests varied from chicken farming to glider piloting and traveling. He was an avid surfer, scuba diver, athlete and San Francisco sourdough bread baker. Station 26 will take care of his sourdough mother starter, enabling them to bake Tony's bread forever. He described himself as "The People's Paramedic." His compassion, kindness and patience for his fellow man in time of need served as an example to all who served with him.
Friends were invited to attend a Vigil Service on Thursday, June 9, 2011, at St. Mary's Cathedral, 1111 Gough St. (and Geary Blvd.), San Francisco. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated today at 12:30 p.m. at St. Mary's Cathedral. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery. Donations to the San Francisco Fire Credit Union in Memory of Anthony Michael Valerio, 3201 California St., San Francisco, CA 94118. Online condolences at duggansserra.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Anthony Valerio
Sharon Donovan
May 31, 2025
I still think of you, and remember. Good friend. Good memories. Good man.
Sharon Donovan
May 31, 2023
They say that no one is truly "gone" as long as someone remembers their name. I remember much more than Tony´s name -
I remember him.
Jackie Nixon
May 31, 2020
Tony, you don't know me, we haven't met. But you Dad and I are very "old" friends. Your Mom is such a strong person and I love her. You will ALWAYS be in my prayers.
Marvan Hogan
February 6, 2014
To have known you, Tony, was to know the warmth of the human race reaching out to me and patting me on the back. How many of us will come here for years to come, not from hearing bad news, but only to yearn to find out whatever became of that gift in spirit, Tony Valerio? Surf on, good friend.
July 5, 2012
Now you are in heaven with my baby girl Giselle. May you both rest in paradise.
Tony relaxing near Rancheria Falls (Hetch Hetchy Reservoir).
Paul McGregor
July 2, 2012
Rory Coukos
July 2, 2012
The mainstay in my diet of confidants went away on his passing. The hope of making more valid friends like him keeps me going. He was someone I could count on in the thick of life. Someone I could count on to bring me back into focus. Someone I reckon gave me faith in humanity. A true friend I could just chill with or fight any battle beside. We shared great laughter and I am sorry he is not here to share the tears.
Sailor Donovan
July 2, 2012
Tony with Sailor Donovan at DeGuerre Pool @ Stanford.
You and your sister in Italy for her 50th Birthday!
Frank Valerio
July 2, 2012
Bamboo Society logo done by Tony
Frank Valerio
July 2, 2012
Frank Valerio
July 2, 2012
Remember your life with Family and Friends
Frank Valerio
July 2, 2012
You grew up to be a fine man, Love Mom and Dad
Frank Valerio
July 2, 2012
Travels to Japan
Lorraine Valerio
July 2, 2012
Richard Stark
September 5, 2011
Sorry for Tony's passing.S.F.F.D. Retired.
terri schmidt
July 22, 2011
Well Tony, Sunday we are having a gathering of your bamboo friends at our bamboo farm up here in Sebastopol.. We will reminiscence and miss you. Wish you were here. love to you
Amy B
July 21, 2011
It takes a truly great person to stand out in the field of paramedics and firefighting. Tony was a true hero and "a big brother" to those around him. May God bless your giving spirit and your loving family and friends. I'm from SSF and graduated '82 from El Camino. God bless your family and may your spirit continue to soar in Heaven!
Janet Rossi
July 18, 2011
I am stunned by his death and am crying as if he were one of my closest friends and not the casual acquaintance that I have known for so many years. I would bump into him in an ER or on the street and we would catch up and feel as comfortable as if we had seen each other yesterday. Friendly, funny, kind. My heart goes out to those who miss his everyday presence, a wonderful presence. I can only hope that we take a bit of his laughter and free spirit to heart in our everyday lives.
Jack Carter
July 10, 2011
i'm sorry for our loss.
Roberta Henry
July 1, 2011
Rest in Peace, Tony.
Sharon Donovan
June 25, 2011
Tony was my student, teaching assistant, assistant SCUBA instructor and FRIEND for many years - at SanFrancisco State, with army SCUBA club classes, and classes at Stanford University. We traveled together to many dive sites, and he often kept me awake on the drive home with his running commentary on everything and anything that popped into his mind! I could always rely on his willing response to almost any request. (Although the day he spent helping us shovel manure for our garden may have been asking a bit much, he did even that with a smile and a smart remark!) My husband and I lost contact with him over the years, and I regret that we never got to know the man he became. I was fortunate to have had him as a friend, and know what a great loss his death is to so many people. Our sympathies go out to all his family and friends. In the surfing community there is a saying: "Eddie would go". I propose another saying for another hero: "Tony would help". My husband Michael says that thoughts of Tony will bring a tear to his eye, a smile to his lips, and a warmth in his heart - AMEN to that!
Sharon (Williams) Donovan
Lynda Valerio
June 25, 2011
Tony was such an awesome brother-in-law....always kind, always thoughtful, always generous. I will miss him with all of my heart. To keep his memory and love of learning alive I am going to donate to a college scholarship in his name. I love you, Tony !
Bill Penrod
June 23, 2011
I knew Tony when I was a kid growing up in South City. He was always available with a helping hand or kind words of encouragement to everyone. He was "looked-up to" by all the other kids in the neighborhood too.
To the Valerio Family: I am deeply saddend by your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Tony will truley be missed.
Jackie Miguel
June 21, 2011
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
The Flag Flown Outside of Your Funeral
Aileen Brady
June 19, 2011
God Bless both you and Vince. Both of you died as true San Francisco Heroes. I am sorry for the loss to your blood family, your SFFD family, friends and the community as a whole. I attended your funeral and was moved at the coming together of the fire community and was pleased to see that the law enforcement community came to pay their respects as well. I know that you are in a better place now and pray for peace for all of those who are impacted by the tragedy of no longer having you as a part of their daily lives. God bless you and your family.
-Sergeant Aileen Brady-
San Francisco Police Department
Nicholas Morgan
June 18, 2011
May God grant rest to your soul brother!
Don Johnson
June 14, 2011
Thank you for your service, you will be missed throughout the Brotherhood. Our thoughts and prayers will follow you and your family throughout. God Bless. FWFD.
Mike Wilson
June 14, 2011
Anthony: You are clearly a fellow traveler, a people's paramedic, and have done so much good in world. We will keep your memory alive as we work to protect the health and safety of firefighters and paramedics, now and in the future.
Darrin Hughes
June 14, 2011
Thank you Brother Valerio for your service to the SFFD and the City. Now you can protect us all from up above. Rest in Peace, Job Well Done.
Wm Fred Baty
June 14, 2011
Even St Peter needs a good medic every now and then. Rest in peace, brother.
Jim Silvernail
June 13, 2011
Our prayers and thoughts will always be with you and you will never be forgotten.
John Minas, Chicago Fire Department
June 13, 2011
Bless you brother! atch over us down here.
Don Stabler
June 13, 2011
I worked with Tony at Acme Ambulance many years ago. Even at that time, he marched to the beat of his own drum, but one thing was sure, he was the best of the best, and he loved helping people!
Bruce Suenram
June 13, 2011
Our deepest condolences!
Alan Wetzel
June 13, 2011
My God Bless You Brother. You will never be forgotten!
Fire Marshal, Alaska Region National Park Service
June 13, 2011
Rest in Peace Brother.
Engine 8 Edison FD NJ
Diane Canepa
June 13, 2011
I'm keeping your family members and your 2nd family, the San Francisco Fire Department, in my prayers.
Diane Canepa
Richmond Fire Department
T Fairfield
June 13, 2011
You are a true hero.
Rest in peace.
Casey Tjeerdsma
June 13, 2011
Keeping your family, friends, and your SFFD brothers and sisters in our thoughts and prayers. Never Forget.
Casey Tjeerdsma
IAFF Local 4111
Matt Larsen
June 13, 2011
Tony Valerio was my ambulance partner for several 6-month tours when we were both San Francisco Dept. of Public Health paramedics (in the 1980's). I always enjoyed working with him because of his ideal temperament-- he was always calm and cool, regardless of the situation we were in. He could defuse tense situations and calm family members who were in stress and panic. Losing Tony is heartbreaking.
PIlar Dexter
June 13, 2011
Dear Valerio's Family, friends & fellow Firefighters , My boyfriend and I live on 766 Naples we were Tony's neighbors. When he was not on duty at work, we used to see him every morning at about 6:45am outside his house with his shorts, short sleeve shirt and sandals, we would say good morning , mention the weather and enjoy his wide smile and friendly comments . Now we know he was probably getting ready to go kayaking, surfing or biking that early in the morning. However the week before the accident the last time we saw him , he had his usual shorts and sandals but not a shirt, and it was very cold that day, so my boyfriend ask him jockingly " Where is the Fire?" to what Tony responded : "FIRE IS MY LIFE" We will always remember him fondly.
My boyfriend is a Liutenant Firefighter in Lima Peru and knows how it feels to loose a Brother. Our sincere condolences to all of you. Thank you Tony for being YOU!
Pilar Dexter & Jose Chavez
Jackie Collins
June 12, 2011
Tony will always be remembered as a compassionate, caring, free spirit with a warm and wonderful heart.
Crystal McIlroy
June 12, 2011
I'm so proud of all the support that the Valerio family (my family) received. It was so wonderful to see how many people showed up for the service and I'm proud of how strong everyone was. I understand how difficult it can be to lose someone so close and I commend everyone for the strength that not everyone possesses. I couldn't be more proud to be a part of this family. Aloha, Tony. May we meet again some day.
Kirt Larsen
June 12, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Chris Lopez
June 12, 2011
I was at your funeral, and I know you would have been very proud of the ones who spoke on your behalf. We throw the term "hero" out all too often these days but you totally deserve it. Thank you for saving lives.
Sara Wright
June 12, 2011
Rest in peace.... We're Sitting here reminiscing the years our eyes are getting blurry 'cause their filling with tears,we're tired of knowing you won't be here tomorrow so much pain we're going through the family yeah we love & miss you but we have to be strong,gotta keep our heads up even though your gone but it's so hard to move on,we think about you always before we go to sleep we pray to the lord to let your souls rest in peace. Always & forever our love & memories will always stay! My deepest condolences & prayers are with the families & our remaining heros! Rest in peace: anthony & vincent!
Sherry Linker
June 11, 2011
Thank you, Mr. Valerio. May your memory be a blessing.
Kat Powers
June 11, 2011
As a former Paramedic, I want to express my Sorrow and Sympathy to your Family. It alway's stings when I hear of a Fallen Brother in Arms. May you be at Peace in the Loving Arms of Our Lord. This was especially hard as I lived in the City for many years....
Paula Reynolds
June 11, 2011
God Speed Tony. You left a lot of people behind that truly admire, respect and loved you. Our condolences to family and friends.
John Tomasulo
June 11, 2011
Rest easy brother. God bless you and your family.
Jim Sweeney
June 11, 2011
Tony - A great firefighter and a better man! My deepest sympathy to all the Valerio family. Jim Sweeney SFFD retired
Jim Rossi
June 11, 2011
You were a hero in your work and always will be.
JODI, JEFF, MEGAN, NICOLE PIECZYNSKI
June 11, 2011
WE LOVE YOU, TONY!!!
Anna Herlitz
June 11, 2011
Tony, above all, you were ALWAYS a truly kind person. You will be missed.
June 11, 2011
As former San Franciscans,we appreciate your ultimate sacrifice in order to save others in the city of St.Francis. May God bless you and keep you. Our prayers go out to your friends and family.
Lydia H
June 11, 2011
There are not enough words to express our gratitude for all you do on a daily basis to make us all feel safe. Thank you and may you rest in peace
June 11, 2011
I want to express my heartfelt sympathy for the loss your family has suffered. I retired after 32 years in the fire service, so I know how your fellow firefighters are hurting. Edward Oelklaus, Assistant Chief, St. Charles, MO. Fire Dept.
June 11, 2011
Such a loss. Rest in peace, From one 1970s kid to another.
Sue Weaver
June 11, 2011
Thank you, Tony Valerio, for giving your life to save a woman and her three children as their home burned- the ultimate sacrifice. How can we thank all of you firefighters who risk your lives every day keeping us safe? Thinking of your family and fellow firefighters in this terrible time.
Jared Wadsworth
June 11, 2011
Rest in Peace Brother. I want to shake your hand on the other side. CFD is praying for you and your loved ones.
Janet Oelklaus
June 11, 2011
Thank you for your selfless service to the city of San Francisco, and to your loving family who must shoulder this great burden with you.
May you rest in eternal peace, free of the adversity and tribulations of this realm, forever soothed by the light of eternal love.
Jeanette Cereske
June 11, 2011
Thank you for your service and ultimate sacrifice Tony. Prayers of comfort and strength for those you loved you and who are missing you so very much. My deepest and sincere condolences.
June 11, 2011
Dear Anthony - Thank you for your service to our City. May you rest in peace. You are a true hero. The Harrisons (SF natives too - one Lincoln - one Riordan)
anthony bradford
June 11, 2011
may god bless you and your family
in this time of sorrow.
Sarah Colvig
June 11, 2011
My grandfather became a SF fireman in the '06 great quake. So firefighters have always been my heroes. Brave and selfless, all of you. My deepest sympathy to your family and friends.
Linda Wasson
June 11, 2011
We travelled with you twice to India and Japan-We will miss your wit, funny faces and comments. Take care Tony We will miss you. Linda Wasson Maui Hawaii
Fatima Macalpin
June 11, 2011
Rest in Peace.
Zeny Francisco
June 11, 2011
Rest in Peace , you have given the best sacrifice to humanity, you life . You will be in my prayers.
Karen Lynch
June 11, 2011
God bless you. A true San Francisco hero. May you watch over all those who loved you from a better place.
becky
June 11, 2011
thank you for all you did.
Robin
June 11, 2011
Thanks for your sacrafice!
To A Good Guy, Tony Valerio ..
Perry Lee
June 11, 2011
I first met Tony more than twenty years ago when I was hired on at SF Dept of Public Health Paramedic Division. You couldn't help but smile or laugh whenever Tony was around. He was a normal guy who made everyone else felt special. Our co-worker once said it best, "He was the most ALIVE person I ever met," I totally agree. Many people may not have known Tony but he was a person well worth knowing. I was blessed to have known him, to work with him and to have called him a friend and a brother. I currently live overseas but the last time I was in SF, Tony set up a lunch for me with some of our old friends from DPH at Tony's Pizzeria (Pic: Tony, 3rd from Left) by Washington Square Park in North Beach. He was that kind of guy. And just two weeks ago, he emailed me a picture of the beautiful sunset from Station 26. The world is a better place now that Tony has been here. I will always have fond memories of a man who drove a VW van, attended seminars on bamboos, rode his bike wherever he went, and shared his love, wit and humor to all those around him. I'm going to miss Tony. Rest in Peace bro. And condolences as we share your profound sadness to his family.
Jillian Payne
June 11, 2011
God bless you Tony. Ride that perfect wave in heaven.
Eddie Martinez
June 11, 2011
Rest in peace brother. You are a true hero. My deepest sympathy to your loved ones. Eddie Martinez, retired Fresno firefighter
FF Randy Speake
June 11, 2011
R.I.P. Brother
Steve Ernst
June 11, 2011
Thank You and God Bless You. Rest in Peace.
Wayne Stalcup
June 11, 2011
RIP brother
RFB-KTF
Central Matsu Fire
Betsy Price
June 11, 2011
There just are no words. We stand shoulder to shoulder with this family.....
Kelly Wingert
June 11, 2011
Rest in Peace, brother.
Tommy's Joynt
June 11, 2011
May the memory of Tony be a blessing to his family and friends.
Patricia Campbell
June 11, 2011
June 11, 2011
May the Lord bless and keep you -- as I know His Face is shining upon you.
Jared Cooper
June 11, 2011
You will always be the bright and shinning star within the SFFD family. You definitely made an impact in everyone's life in our community and treated everyone you met like a lifelong partner. Your memory of the ponytail, Hawaiian shirt, high-hanging shorts, Tivas, and maybe a surfboard under your arm is forever burned into my memory! God bless you brother!
Jennifer Stevenson
June 11, 2011
As the grand-daughter of a Chicago firefighter in the 30's who never really knew her grandfather because he once fought a huge warehouse fire in which chemicals seared his lungs, leaving him sick and without a voice box, I give you my sadness and caring and profound belief that firefighters like Vince and Tony make the world a better place. His and your sacrifice will not be forgotten. Blessings.
mike mullane mullane
June 11, 2011
rest in peace brother
laurence delorme
June 11, 2011
May the love and light of God help you in this difficult period of time. May Anthony rest in peace.prayers and thoughts are for him and his family.sorrow has no frontiers:deepest sympathy from France.
Glen
June 11, 2011
Thank you for your courage. We will never forget. May the Valerio family find comfort during this very difficult time.
Dominic Aiello
June 11, 2011
My deepest sympathies to the Valerio family. I consider him one of my brothers,may he rest in PEACE.
Mr Dominic A Aiello
Retired SF fighter (1997)
Michael Witman
June 11, 2011
Tony we have lost a great brother. Rest in peace.
Kat H.
June 11, 2011
Thank you for being our heroes. you will never be forgotten. <3
June 11, 2011
Thank you for all your years of service and now this final sacrifice. You and your family will be in our prayers.
Jenny Gong
June 11, 2011
RIP....my hero....
Michel DeLisle
June 11, 2011
Your loss is a loss to all in the fire service. Prayers for your loved ones.
June 11, 2011
The Ayala Family sends our deepest sympathy to the Valerio Family.
Chuck Ayala
Joe Capobianco
June 11, 2011
Sleep well Brother, your tour is done...we'll take the burden from here.
Chris Fillmore
June 11, 2011
You were a hero the day you were sworn in, thank you for your service.
June 11, 2011
May God Bless you my friend, may God be with your family thru these times of grief
Jon Cummings
June 11, 2011
May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields
And until we meet again
May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.
From your Brother's in the FDNY.
All Gave Some, Some Gave All!
Glen Rodd ,Paramedic
June 11, 2011
Rest in peace to a true hero who has answered his final call. My deepest condolences to his friends and family.
DALPHNIE TERRELL
June 11, 2011
YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.
Andrew Dumm
June 11, 2011
Thanks for the good times and the funny stories, Tony.
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