Anthony Christopher Guilfoyle

Anthony Christopher Guilfoyle San Francisco lost one of its true treasures on Thanksgiving evening when Anthony Christopher Guilfoyle passed away surrounded by his loving family after a long and brave battle with cancer. Born in Ennis, County Clare, Ireland on December 23, 1935. Tony, as he was affectionately referred to by all who loved him, left his native Ireland at the age of twenty-one to travel to San Francisco, a city he referred to as "God's half-acre". He was the kind of man all of us admire self-made, wise, tough yet compassionate and above all loyal. His character was forged at the early age of nine, when he began work at a blacksmith's shop and later on a farm to provide food for his family. The eldest of six, he took a leadership role in raising his younger siblings, Vera, Nuala, James, Theresa and Frank. He set off for San Francisco in 1957 at the age of twenty-one to work with his uncles in the family construction business and later in real estate. He quickly came to love America and all it had to offer. This passion and commitment to his new home was demonstrated when he enlisted in the US ARMY and proudly served in Germany. He attained the rank of Sergeant and was a member of the Color Guard. In 1968 he met and married Mercedes Marie Gerena. The couple had two children, the pride of Tony's life, Kimberly Ann and Anthony John. Like many Irishman, Tony had a love of and gift for politics. He worked tirelessly and played a pivotal role on many political campaigns including that of Mayor Gavin Newsom. San Francisco Magazine profiled him and referred to him as "The Godfather" within the Mayor's inner circle. As a founding member of the San Francisco Coalition for Responsible Growth, where he served as an Executive Advisor, his political legacy lives on. He is predeceased by the love of his life, Mercedes. He is survived by his beloved children, Kimberly and Anthony; his grandson Ronan Anthony and his siblings. Tony was a force of nature, his passing is a loss to all who knew him, he is irreplaceable. It is no surprise that this man who we loved dearly and admired greatly would face the end of his life in the same way he lived it; with a generosity of spirit, courage, honesty, humor, optimism, and with great love for his family and God. His example has made the world a better place. A private service will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations maybe made to: Gastro Esophageal Cancer Foundation(GECF), where his daughter serves on the Board of Directors GECF is a 501C(3) non-profit corp., Fed Tax ID # 47-0952238. 11418 Hylander Drive, Houston, TX 77070. www.gecancer.org