Dr. Anthony Wesley Prunés

Dr. Anthony Wesley Prunés was born in Bakersfield, California on October 20, 1983, to Fernando and Linda Prunés. He passed away on July 7, 2025. Tony grew up in Bakersfield with his older brother and sister, Alex and Ariadne. He attended Harding Elementary, Compton Jr. High and Foothill High School. After high school, he went off to college at his mom's alma mater, the University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ. He was too homesick after his 1st year and returned to Bakersfield to complete his college degree at CSUB. While attending CSUB, he worked at Benji's deepening his love for Basque food. After college, he moved to Orange County and took a job at Flavor Infusion testing and developing new beverages for a couple of years. He made the most of his time in Orange County playing beach volleyball and eating countless meals at Roman Cucina. However, it was during that time, he realized his real dream was to become a doctor like his dad (Papi). He began pursuing his medical degree in 2009 at Ross University School of Medicine in Dominica, which turned out to be quite an experience. Tony returned to Bakersfield in 2012 to complete his residency in internal medicine at Kern Medical where he also became a physician in 2015, following in Papi's footsteps. In 2020, he moved to Memorial Hospital where he worked as a hospitalist for the past 5 years. His bedside manner was unmatched, and he was adored by his patients and everyone who worked with him.

Tony met the love of his life John (Johnny) Buton in late 2021. They got engaged in 2023 and were planning their future together. They spent their time frequenting their favorite restaurants like Benji's, Woolgrowers and Frugattis, traveling first class all the way, decorating over the top for Christmas, planning couples Halloween costumes, practicing Linda's recipes and relaxing at home with their dog Elmer. Sadly, they never got the chance to have their dream wedding.

Tony lived life to the fullest in his 41 short years. He was full of joy and made friends everywhere he went. He's remained lifelong friends with anyone he went to school or worked with at each stage of his life. His ability to recite scenes from SNL, Friends or any classic movie was uncanny. He had a passion for swimming, gymnastics, music, cruising (Alaska in particular), Harry Potter, Christmas and the finer things in life. He spared no expense planning lavish vacations, always booking the nicest suite or cruise ship cabin. He was particularly proud of his high school swimming years where he and his teammates set several records. He could hardly wait for the Olympics to come every 4 years and would obsess over the gymnastics and swimming competitions.

While Tony had many talents, he will be most remembered for his ability to love unconditionally. He loved his family and friends with all of his heart and the feeling was mutual. He was his brother and sister's biggest cheerleader. No gathering will ever be the same without Tony's presence. He was incredibly sweet and funny and will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Tony is survived by his mother Linda, his brother Alex (Shannan), his sister Ari (Jake), and his fiancé Johnny. He is preceded in death by his father Fernando Prunés.

A celebration of life will be held for Tony at Luigi's Warehouse on July 22, 2025, at 11:30 am.