Antonio G. "Tony" DeLaRosa

Antonio "Tony" G. DeLaRosa, age 72, a resident of Riviera, Texas passed away Wednesday, June 2, 2004 in Corpus Christi, Texas. He was born October 31, 1931 in Sarita, Texas to Luis DeLaRosa, Sr. and Dominga Garza DeLaRosa. Tony was a loving man who enjoyed his family and friends immensely. He was most known for being the first conjunto band leader to incorporate amplification, electric bass and bajo sexto (12 string guitar) into his music. Tony was honored by former President Bill Clinton and The National Endowment of Music and Arts for being a pioneer in the field of conjunto music. Tony was inducted to the Walk of Fame in Edinburg, Texas. He was honored as an Ambassador of Mexico. Tony was in love with the water and loved to fish whenever possible. He was always grateful for the love and appreciation that he received from his fans. Through his music, the legend of Tony DeLaRosa will always live on. He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Esmeralda Rubalcaba - December 2000.Mr. DeLaRosa is survived by his wife, Lucia DeLaRosa of Riviera; three sons, Tony DeLaRosa Jr. of Michigan, Joe Michael DeLaRosa and Rene Javier (Isabel) DeLaRosa, both of Corpus Christi, Texas; one daughter, Pamela Ann (Roel) Alaniz of Corpus Christi; two stepsons, Harry Chris Sanchez Jr. (Adelina) of Karnes City and Raul Sanchez (Esmeralda) of Richmond; three brothers, Luis DeLaRosa of Dos Palos, California, Adan DeLaRosa and Alfredo (Brenda) DeLaRosa, both of Riviera; five sisters, Emma Prado, Evangelina (Margarito Tapia) DeLaRosa, Herlinda SanMiguel and Juanita (Pete Mireles) DeLaRosa, all of Riviera, and Elida (Reynaldo) Ruiz of Kingsville; and nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren.Public visitation will be held on Friday, June 4, 2004 from 4:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the First Assembly of God Church, 1727 Truan Blvd., Kingsville, Texas. Visitation will also be held on Saturday, June 5, 2004 from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the First Assembly of God Church. Funeral service will take place at 4:00 p.m. Saturday, June 5, 2004 at the church. Military honors will take place outside of the church at the conclusion of the church service.At the request of the family, memorials may be made to the family of Tony G. DeLaRosa.Services are entrusted to: Turcotte-Piper Mortuary, 205 General Cavazos Blvd., Kingsville, Texas. 361-592-9394