Anthony Bernard Tapiz

Anthony Bernard Tapiz Sr. Resident of Santa Cruz Anthony Bernard Tapiz Sr., a native of Watsonville, passed away on Saturday, December 22, 2012 at his home in Santa Cruz. He was 63. Mr. Tapiz was born on February 15, 1949. He was a Sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1973-1978, serving at Key West, Okinawa, aboard the USS Enterprise, and at Camp Lejeune. He was also a former employee of the Wrigley's Gum Factory. Besides being a proud Marine, he was also a dedicated 49ers fan. Above all, he was a loving grandfather and was always happy to be around his family. Mr. Tapiz is survived by his sons, Tony (Michelle), Michaelangelo, and Mark Tapiz; daughters, Alexia (Mark) Gray and Jenna Tapiz; his mother, Isabel Tapiz; brothers, Joe, Larry, Ruben, Mario, Rudy, Fernando, and Adrian; sisters, Teresa Rodriguez, Roberta Tapiz, and Monica Espiritu; 10 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother Louie and his sister, Christina. A visitation will be held at Mehl's Colonial Chapel on Saturday, December 29, 2012 from 11-1 p.m. with a Funeral Service at 1 p.m. Football fans are encouraged to wear their favorite team jersey. A burial will take place at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery on Thursday, January 3 at 12:00 pm.