Mr. Antonio "Tony" Somera

Antonio "Tony" Earl Somera October 5, 1957 – October 28, 2013 Antonio "Tony" Somera, 56, was called home by our Lord on the 28th day of October, 2013 while battling cancer at St. Joseph's Hospital, Stockton, California. He was born on October 5, 1957 in Stockton, CA. to Celestino "Chester" and Frances "Dolly" (Cunningham) Somera. Tony grew up in Stockton and graduated from Franklin High School in 1975. After high school Tony attended San Joaquin Delta College where he studied liberal arts graduating with an Associates of Arts degree. After looking into a couple different careers, Tony was hired as a front end supervisor for Costco. He worked several different positions over his 27 plus years with Costco. During his tenure, he promoted to a senior manager position, befriending many coworkers and customers along the way. Tony had many other interests. He enjoyed the martial arts mastering Goju Royu Karate and Bahala Na Martial Arts, Giron Arnis Escrima. He was an Iconic figure in the international marital arts community. In 2010, Tony was inducted into the martial arts hall of fame. He was an active member of the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS), Little Manila Foundation and Legionarios Del Trabajo in America. He enjoyed assembling old cars and pick-ups. And, deep in his heart he was a farmer. He loved working the ground, watching vegetables grow and sharing produce with family and friends. In 1991, Tony married Sally, "the love of his life" in Stockton, CA. They were happily married for over 22 years. They made a life time of memories travelling all over the world, watching western DVD movies with John Wayne and taking long walks together hand in hand. Tony was preceded in death by his father, Celestino "Chester" Somera. Tony is survived by his wife, Sally of Stockton, CA; his mother, Frances "Dolly" Somera (Stockton), brother, Chet Somera (Lodi), sister Felly Kotez and her husband Howard (Stockton), eight nieces and nephews, eight grandnieces and grandnephews, and many Godchildren. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to the Little Manila Foundation, P. O. Box 1356, Stockton, CA 95201, 209-477-7143, www.littlemanila.org.