William Alexander Tonis
May 22, 1946 - Jan. 12, 2017
Resident of San Ramon
William Alexander Tonis "Bill/Sonny", longtime resident of San Ramon, passed away suddenly from a tragic car accident on Thursday, January 12, 2017. Born in Palo Alto, CA on May 22, 1946, William was the son of Alexander and Pauline Tonis.
Bill graduated from Awalt High School in 1964. After serving in the Army, he attended Shasta College. He owned a distributorship for Interstate Batteries for approximately 30 years.
A beloved husband, father, grandfather, coach, and friend, he had an uncanny ability to make an impact and touched the lives of many throughout the years. He was an extremely competitive individual and sports enthusiast. His love of the game came through in the way he played and the way that he coached. He dedicated many years to coaching in youth sports programs for basketball, baseball, and softball. In recent years, he participated in car shows and loved displaying his classic cars.
Taken from his friends and family too soon, Bill will be deeply missed and is survived by his wife of 44 years, Cherlye Tonis; children, William (Allison) Tonis, Jennifer Tonis (Sonny Halderman) Jamie (Michael) Sa; grandchildren, Micayla, Joshua, Lyla, Lennix, Jordy, and Bryce. He also leaves behind his siblings, Allan (Grace) Tonis, Esther Denham, and Paulette (Walt) Tucker.
A funeral service is scheduled for January 22, 2017 at 1:30 pm at Graham-Hitch Mortuary in Pleasanton, with a celebration of life to follow. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Bill's life. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude at http://giftfunds.stjude.org/BillTonis. The family would like to thank all family and friends for their support during this difficult time.

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Published by East Bay Times from Jan. 19 to Jan. 22, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for William Tonis

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21 Entries

Steve Spector

February 6, 2017

I first met Bill in 97' as a competitor. Playing against him and his "Tigers" was always a game to look forward to because we wanted to beat Bill. He managed that team as if he was Sparky Anderson. He watched every detail, defensive placement, player speed and strength, he knew, and played the game well. I admired him for that. Four years later I was asked to join the Tigers and then learned how nice a man, father and husband he was. He always had a smile with a story to pick you up if you needed it. My prayers to Cheryl who he loved so much and all the Tonis family. He was taken too soon. We all will miss him.

Mike Brown

January 23, 2017

My association with Bill was not measured in years, or months, or even days. It can only be counted as a few hours, although our connection started in 1981 when I purchased a 1969 Corvette. It turns out that Bill had purchased this car in 1972 and wooed his soon to be bride Cheryle with it. The two of them eventually became three and the 2-seater coupe didn't fit any more so Bill reluctantly sold it. I spent many years restoring and showing the car but the biggest pleasure I got was tracking down Bill for some vehicle history information and reuniting him and Cheryle with the car that they dated in so many years ago. Bill was still a car buff and we talked sheet metal and internal combustion engines as we walked though the endless line of cars at the local Good Guys Car Show last year. Bill and Cheryle were so young and healthy and I was looking forward to many years of our continued friendship and joint attendance at car shows to come. Unfortunately tragedy has intervened, but I am thankful for the short time we had and the stories we shared. I only wish our relationship had been longer. Cheryle, today we are all hurting, but no one, I imagine, as much as you. God and healing be with you. We are all so sad today.

January 23, 2017

Seasons change and songs do fade.
Death can never be detached in our fate;
Don't worry we will meet them someday,
In heaven where eternal happiness stay.

Our Condolences to all Family members in this time of sadness God Bless everyone.

From Mr. and Mrs. Roy and Jacqueline Scellato
( Allan Tonis's Sister)

January 23, 2017

aunt cheryl,my condolences to you and the rest of the family.uncle sonny was a great man,i had alot of good times with him growing up.may he rest in piece. chris {kneeshaw}Rulo

January 22, 2017

Cheryle, Billy and Jennifer:

In the past hour I just found out that Bill was involved in a tragic vehicle accident and lost his life. I am so sorry! Bill Bohler and I would like to extend our heart felt condolences to you and your family. Bill Bohler and I played many years of baseball, and had some outrageous fun with him when he coached the Tri Valley Tigers. "Lips" will always be a part of my baseball memories and they are forever. I am just so sad. Your family is my thoughts and prayers and may Bill Rest In Peace.

Glen Haendel

January 22, 2017

So sorry to lose such a wonderful man that touched so many of us. Peace and love to all of your family. Love, Jim Traina

Johnny and Theresa DeCarli

January 22, 2017

We are so sorry to hear of this and will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers. May God get you through the toughest time of your lives and may the memories of Bill keep a smile on your face and know that you all have the best Guardian Angel watching over you all.
Sending our deepest condolences.

BASEBALL FOR ETERNITY

Mark Kreindler

January 22, 2017

So sorry to hear about Bill and the tragic circumstances under which he passed away. My heartfelt condolences to his family and all of our baseball brothers who knew him and played with and against him in the TVMSBL. Rest in peace my brother

Marina Rieboldt

January 21, 2017

Cheryle,
Thinking of you daily and praying for you and your family during this difficult time.

All our love,
Marina & Tom

Jeri Parsons

January 21, 2017

Cheryle, I am at a loss for words. I know there is nothing for me to say that will make your loss easier, but know that I am sending you my love and support. I hope you can understand what I can't put into words. If you need support or someone to talk to, please don't hesitate to reach out. Love to you and your family,

Cheryl Wilson

Sent Flowers

S Mason

January 20, 2017

Losing a loved one is never easy, but our loving God promises to give the strength and courage you'll need to endure, and to cope with the pain of your loss. (Isaiah 40:29) At Hosea 13:14 he promises to empty the graves of our loved ones. Our tears of pain will be replaced with tears of joy! Until His promise is realized - may the love of friends and family carry you through your grief!

Esther Denham

January 20, 2017

Cheryle, I'm so sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you and the kids. I'm so thankful my brother (Son) had you to share his life. I know how proud he was of his family. God bless all of you. Love Esther

Cynthia Fritz

January 18, 2017

Wishing you strength for today and comfort in the days ahead, knowing how much your loved one meant to so many. You and your family are in my prayers.

Linda Wright

January 18, 2017

Dear Cheryle,
Please know that you are in my thoughts. I send my deepest sympathy to you and your family at this most difficult of times.
Linda

Wendelyn Erazo

January 18, 2017

Cheryl, Marisa and I are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prays are with you and your family. God Bless.

Kimbal Aureguy

January 17, 2017

Cheryl, Greg and I were shocked to hear. What a sad loss for you and your family. I understand you had just bought a home in Grass Valley and that Bill was checking on it after all the rain. I believe my ex lives very close by.

To be robbed of a loving partner just as you are entering your retirement years is just cruel if not frightening for you. You are in our prayers and when you are ready, give us a call and we will try and console you.

Fondly, Kimbal Aureguy and Gregory Brock

January 17, 2017

Cheryle and Family

Bill will never be forgotten as one of the really good guys and a great friend. He was a very special friend to me.

Love, Tom Gibbs

January 17, 2017

We are sooo sorry for your loss...we pray for each and every one of you that the strength of the Tonis family will help console you all through these most difficult times.

Rick and Jackie McEwen

January 17, 2017

Cheryle and family:

We are so sad to hear of Bill's passing. We fondly remember attending the Awalt 50th High School Reunion and laughing. We plan on attending his service on Sunday.

Fondest memories,
Cheri and Al Andrews

The Staff of Graham-Hitch Mortuary

January 21, 2017

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

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