Anthony S. Dias
Dec 19, 1919 – Feb 26, 2016
Tony Dias was born Dec 19, 1919 on the Azores Islands by Jose and Maria Dias. He and his wife of 74 years, Clara Dias, moved to Modesto over 60 years ago. There they lived out their lives until Tony was called home on Feb 26, 2016, just months before their 75th wedding anniversary.
Tony, after being discharged from the Army-Air Force, joined the American Legion Post 74 in 1946 and continued to work to better the cause of The American Legion for 70 years.
He was a life member of Quality Travelers Club; a life member of The Knights of Columbus -3rd Degree; A life member of The Knights of Columbus – 4th Degree; a 40 year member of The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Modesto Lodge #1282; he served as The Exalted Ruler in The Modesto Elks Lodge #1282 1980-81 and also served as the Esquire.
Tony is a current member in good standing with The La Societe des 40 Hommes et 8 Chevaux Stanislaus Voiture Locale 653 for the past 46 years. He also served as The Grand Chef de Gare Grand California and Cheminot District 3.
He held many offices in the Post 74, District 12 and State, such as Post Commander, and Post Adjutant. Tony was the State Oratorical Commission Chairman for 35 years as well as a leader in Commissioner of the Nurses program.
Preceded in death are Tony's parents Jose and Maria Dias, and his brothers Frank Ferreira, Sr and Joe Abrill.
Tony leaves behind his wife, Clara Dias; his two children: Antoinette M. Stalker "Toni" (sweetheart Don) of Carson City, NV and Anthony J. Dias (Charlene) of Bullhead City, AZ; his grandchildren: Christopher P. Bernal (Nadine) of San Clemente, CA, Daniel T. Bernal of Las Vegas, NV, Michael Dias and Shannon DeBraal (Kevin) both from Bullhead City, AZ; his 6 great grandchildren: Melia, Noelani, Keanu, Adrianna, Kenadee, and Easton; his nephews: Leslie Miranda (Lorraine) of Rio Dell, CA and Frank Ferreira Jr. of Modesto, CA; and his faithful canine companion, Tasha.
Franklin & Downs is honored to serve the Dias family. There will be Graveside Service held in Tony's honor at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery (32053 McCabe Rd, Santa Nella, CA 95322) on Monday, March 21, 2016 at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Nurses Program through the 40&8. Contact Richard (209) 521-0093.
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Published by Modesto Bee on Mar. 8, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Anthony Dias

4 Entries

March 21, 2016

Dear Clara, all the family and the Stanislaus Voiture 653, 40 et 8,

I am so sorry for your loss. Tony was the first member of the Stanislaus Voiture 653, 40 et 8 that I met when I took over the job of scholarship coordinator at MJC. I remember quite well the very first annual Voiture Christmas party I attended. It was great fun!
And as always, Tony was the center of attention with his charming wit. Thank you all for allowing me to be a part of this great organization. My last and best memory of Tony will be of him in his velvet paisley sport coat at the last party. He said "kid, no other man has the guts to wear such a jacket." And he'd be right about that. Goodbye my darling friend. You will be missed!

Melissa Clark
MJC Scholarship Department

Judge Al Girolami

March 8, 2016

Vera and I offer our condolences to Clara and the family. Tony was a true patriot and one of the Legion's hardest working members. I was honored to answer his calls to serve as a judge for many of the annual oratorical contests and partake in Clara's cookies. I particularly enjoyed receiving his frequent veteran related emails which were always very informative.

Tony & Norma

March 8, 2016

My wife and I and the Hughson Post 872 extend our heartfelt Sympathy for your loss.

Marion F. Owens Jr.

March 8, 2016

Tony was truly an 'Elks' Elk...it was indeed an honor to have served Modesto Elks 1282 with Brother Tony..As a new member of the Corp of Officers, Tony took me under his wing and guided me in the right direction..
Our prays are with the Family during their time of grieving .
Fraternally,
Marion F. Owens Jr.
PER,PDDGER, PSP and Etc.

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