Anthony "Tony" DeGrazia

Anthony "Tony" DeGrazia, 100, of Danville, CA, passed away on April 24, 2024, after a long life, well lived.

Tony was born on October 18, 1923, in Lago, Italy, to Vincenzo DeGrazia & Rosina Merenda. He grew up with his five brothers and sisters in the small town of Aria d'Lupi, where his father was interested in politics and the family owned the local tobacco shop. They had a good life and weathered the upheaval of World War II.

After the war, where he served in the Air Force, He left his beloved Italy to have better opportunities in the United Sates. He traveled from New York to the San Francisco Bay Area, where he married Mary Scanga. Mary and Tony were friends in Italy and found each other again in California. They had two daughters, Rosemarie & Debra. They lived in San Mateo for 25 years and then moved to Danville for the remainder of their lives.

Tony was a force of nature, and determined to provide for his family, He and Mary gave them the best life that Rose & Debbie could ask for. He worked hard all his life. He had a long career in the wholesale floral industry. He worked for over 50 years selling, marketing & promoting the cut flower industry. Tony was also a passionate golfer and could often be found at his home course, Diablo Country Club, enjoying a round of golf or conversation with friends.

Anyone who knew Tony knew that he was the most loving father and husband a family could ask for. He was interested in all things business and even in his 90's kept up with technology. He insisted on having the latest cell phones, computers and gadgets, much to the consternation of his daughters. However, that love of gadgets helped him after the loss of his hearing, when he started using his cell phone app as a transcriber. He loved food and sweets and looked forward to every meal. He loved fashion and earned the nickname of Papagallo (Parrot). He was always stylish and known for his cool shoes, shirts and sweaters. He represented the true Italian concept of "La Bella Figura". He passed that love of food and fashion onto his daughters.

He was fortunate to travel with Mary and his daughters throughout his life. One of his last wishes was to go back to Italy. His daughters took him so that he could spend his 100th birthday in Italy with all of his cherished nieces, nephews and old friends. He celebrated in his hometown of Aria d'Lupi during a party given by family, where he was honored by the Mayor of Lago and was given a book outlining his genealogy dating back to 1785. He had five celebrations throughout Italy and had fabulous food and birthday cake at every one of them. Once back home in California, he was celebrated again by his entire family. He was surrounded by all his dear nieces, nephews, cousins, grandchildren, great grandchildren and numerous dear friends.
Tony was predeceased by his wife, Mary. His brothers & sisters, Nora, Olga, Gino, Alfonso and Amalia. His sons-in-laws, Jerry Ajlouny & Ernie Barbour.
He is survived by his daughters, Rose DeGrazia and Debbie DeGrazia Ajlouny. His grandchildren, Eric Ajlouny and wife Felice, Vince Ajlouny and wife Lindsay and Jerika Gomez and husband Richard. His great grandchildren, Nate, Anthony, Andrew, Lyla & Lacy. His nephews, Carmen Gagliardi, Vince & Tom DeGrazia and Robert & Anthony DeGrazia, His nieces, Vanda & Lina Farnesi along with all of their wives, husbands and children.

There will be a "Celebration of Life" June 1, 2024, at his home in Danville, where he will be honored by a loving family, cherished friends, good food and toasts to his wonderful, long life.