Antonio Amerigo "Tony" Rosellini

1931 - 2025

Antonio Amerigo "Tony" Rosellini
03/09/1931 - 07/27/2025
Tony Rosellini, San Francisco's last working blacksmith and a fixture of the city's Rincon Hill neighborhood, forged on at the age of 94 on July 27, 2025.
Tony was born and raised in the Humboldt County lumber towns of Scotia and Rio Dell. After serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, he used the GI Bill to study at Heald College in San Francisco, where he met Edna Klockars, who would become his wife. In 1960 while working at S.P. Railroad, he was offered a job by his father-in-law Edwin Klockars to try his hand at blacksmithing. Tony took over the historic Klockar's Blacksmith and Metal Works in 1970 and spent the next five decades forging tongs, hooks, rails and other custom tools for ships, factories, the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges and cable car lines. Tony became known as San Francisco's last industrial blacksmith.
Tony was more than a skilled craftsman. Friends and colleagues described him as warm and honest, a neighborhood ambassador always willing to greet passers-by and strike up conversation. Even as his trade dwindled, he continued to show up at the shop to socialize with friends and family. He also continued the tradition of his legendary Christmas parties that brought all walks of life together in celebration.
Above all, Tony cherished his family. He is survived by his four children, Mike (Yong), Judy (Michael), Kristin (Bob), Kari, five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. His family and wide circle of friends and admirers will miss his love, friendship and generous nature.
A memorial service will be held at a later date to celebrate his life and the enduring legacy he leaves in the heart of San Francisco.