Tony Uriarte

The world lost Anthony Killeen Uriarte on Augst 23, 2025. He was born in 1942 to Anthony and Connie Uriarte in San Francisco, after sister Donna Marks and before brother John Uriarte.

A circuitous educational route began with an associate degree from College of San Mateo in San Mateo, California, after which he married his first wife, Sharon Uriarte, and concluded with a PhD in Chemistry from the University of California at Davis in 1972, an era which included the birth of his only child, Jeff Uriarte. A post-doctorate year at Florida State University in Tallahassee was the foundation of his connection to Monsanto, and its later subsidiary Solutia. He spent the remainder of his career there and, except for a brief stint in Houston in the 80s, in Pensacola.

While at Solutia, he married his second wife, Patricia Uriarte, and worked his way up to Director of Technology, Research & Development. Particularly fond memories for Tony were his many work-related trips to Russia to meet with treasured colleagues. His warmth for the Russian people was solidified by welcoming his Russian-born grandson, Anton Uriarte, his only grandchild.

After Patricia passed away, Tony met and married his beloved Anna Uriarte, also a transplant but long-time Pensacola resident, in 2008. They both retired shortly after, and have spent the time since then enjoying each other – gardening, cooking, trying out different restaurants, and always a new travel adventure. Anna was a gracious partner who brought joy to Tony's life, and in more recent years was also a tireless supporter and advocate for Tony in the struggle between Alzheimer's and brilliance.

Competition was life for Tony, most traditionally via athleticism, with diving and bowling in his younger years giving way to tennis and golf. He also competed with his cherished team of chemists in the arena of practical jokes, demonstrating that the best scientists are artists at heart. In his older years, this drive was channeled into competition with himself, via the challenge of constructing remote-controlled boats as an evolution of a life-long love of RC aircraft. His final competition was Tony versus a disease process which won the battle but not the war; he will live on in the lives of his family, friends, colleagues, and others who were driven by his example of and expectation to strive for excellence.

A visitation will be held at Pensacola Memorial Gardens Funeral Home on Thursday, August 28th from 10am until the service begins at 11am. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.