Anthony Dewitt "Tony" Gaas

1941 - 2018

Gaas, Anthony "Tony," Dewitt
Anthony DeWitt Gaas, passed away peacefully March 28, 2018 in Marin County, CA, after unexpected illness. Born Sept 11, 1941 in Newark, NJ to Frances (Springfield) and Donald Gass, Tony graduated Summit High School, NJ holding the pole vault record well past his 1959 graduation. He graduated Newark College of Engineering, and Wharton School of Business, U Penn. He ascended to VP at Citibank, NYC, before moving to San Francisco, 1979. His ultimate achievement, a synthesis of his intellect, keen insight and experience was Micro/Resources, Inc., a radical management information system for banks, that led an information technology revolution, culminating in industry acquisition. Competing globally with the largest finance companies, MRI secured 50% market share in 6 years. In his Seminary Cove community, he served as HOA president. He had a penchant for fine mechanics and loved to ride his Harley-Davidson, best followed by good barbeque, libation and Joe Cocker. He was a tireless athlete at every stage of life, whether playing tennis in NYC, running Mount Tam, skiing the Bugaboos and later Park City with family, windsurfing or diving for abalone. Golf became his ultimate passion, and his Olympic Club membership was cherished. He founded "Welcome Home Heroes" program, providing entertainment venues to Bay-area veterans. His greatest talent may have been his uncanny ability to strike up a meaningful conversation with absolutely any person he met. Tony loved his dash of the unexpected, whether at his party or his host's and his glib wit will be savored by many. Tony lost his single sister Stanlee, at age 4. He is predeceased by his beloved mother Frances, June 3, 1973, his father March 28, 1998 and his dear stepmother Muriel Gass. He is survived by his long-term loving and devoted partner, Caleigh Lynn Hall and their beloved pup, Bailey, his adoring daughter, Jennifer Suzanne Gass MD, a singularly shining light in his life, who (along with his grandchildren) stirred in him great pride and delight, her husband, James Fingleton, MD, (Barrington, RI) grandchildren, Sam (E. Providence, RI) and Erin Fingleton, (Bethesda, MD) their grandmother Anne Jenkins Gass, (Barrington, RI) stepsiblings: Suzanne (San Bruno, CA) and Tracey Hoffman, (Milford, PA) Joan Hitpas, (Andover, NJ) Tyler Proctor, (Ewa Beach, HI) and Wendy Allison, (Califon, NJ); and stepfather Harry Hoffman (Jupiter, FL) and his son Marco Hoffman(LA, CA). The family plans a celebration of life in the coming months.