Anthony Valerio

I still think of you, and remember. Good friend. Good memories. Good man.

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.

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.

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.

Now you are in heaven with my baby girl Giselle. May you both rest in paradise.

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.

Tony with Sailor Donovan at DeGuerre Pool @ Stanford.