With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of ANTHONY STANLEY VALDEZ, who died peacefully in his home surrounded by loved ones on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at the age of 68. The son of the late Anthony and Josephine Valdez, he was born January 6, 1958, in San Diego, CA, at Balboa Naval Hospital.

From a young age, Tony embraced adventure. As a proud Boy Scout in National City, California, he developed a lifelong love of fishing and camping. He played football at St. Mary's Parochial School in National City and later wrestled with determination and grit while attending Marian Catholic High School in Imperial Beach, California.

By age 16, Tony had found photography and his career as a mechanic. For more than 35 years, Tony worked as a mechanic and master mechanic and brake specialist throughout San Diego County, bringing engines back to life and ensuring safe brakes for thousands. His work was a craft he loved, and he took pride in every repair. Friends, family, and customers knew him as someone who could fix any car and was always willing to lend a hand.

He also shared his love of photography by teaching at his former high school. In retirement he worked as a free sample representative at Costco.

For 15 years, he endured dialysis due to diabetes, a demanding and life-altering condition, yet he refused to let his health define his spirit. Instead, he found comfort in life's simple pleasures and continued to pursue the passions and dreams that brought him joy.

Fishing was his lifelong love. Whether casting a line at dawn or patiently waiting for the perfect catch, he found peace, purpose, and happiness by the water. Over the course of his life, he spent countless memorable days fishing with family and friends in Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming, the Pacific waters off San Diego, but most of all Bishop California. The Eastern Sierras of California will be his final resting place.

Tony cherished the people, hobbies, and everyday joys that enriched his life, including getting lost in a great book and expressing his trademark sense of humor through his collection of funny T-shirts.

He was also a model railroad enthusiast during the 1980s, with a special love for the Santa Fe Railway.

In the 1990s, he pursued his passion for breeding Saint Bernards as the owner of Santa Fe Saints, raising award-winning AKC St. Bernard dogs recognized throughout San Diego County.

He was known for cooking for family and friends, especially beloved favorites like stacked enchiladas, tamales and grilled fish. He devoted countless hours to his vegetable gardens over the years and took great joy in watching his children pick vegetables fresh from the soil and eat them on the spot, dirt and all. He loved visiting California wineries, sampling fine wines, and bringing home special bottles to share with family and friends. A devoted sports fan, he faithfully cheered for the San Diego Chargers, Padres, Gulls, and Sockers through every win and loss.

Over the course of his life, Tony was married four times, each chapter bringing its own lessons, memories, and connections that shaped the man he became.

Tony is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Virginia Martinez Valdez of Las Cruces, New Mexico, where they lived happily for over 4 years.

Former Spouses, Ruby Melissa Kemp, Divide, CO, Patricia Ann LaBouff, Santee, CA & Suzan Schwantz, Colorado Springs, CO.

His daughters Adelia (Yonatan) Fridman of Divide, CO, Gabriela (Aaron) Burgman of Woburn MA, and Sylveria Valdez-McCue of Lakewood, CO, and his son, Damian Anthony Valdez of San Diego, CA. His stepchildren Breanna Conlin-Nuno (Miguel), Kevin Conlin (Chelsea), Mollie Delaney, Vicky Andrea Martinez and Melina Moreno (Bobby). His grandchildren Ace, Leah, Lucy, Declan, Edwin, and Madelyn. His step-grandchildren Dominic, Bri, Kaylee, Braydon, Marley, Thomas, Rueben, Liam, and Mila, with one great grand-daughter on the way.

Tony is survived by his sisters: Donna (Bob) Valdez of Santee, CA, Pamela Costello of Pocatello, ID, Lucretia Valdez of Santee, CA, and Corrina (Scott) Allison of Las Cruces, NM, as well as four nieces, four nephews, six great-nieces, seven great-nephews, two aunts, one uncle, and many cousins.

Tony was preceded in death by his father, Anthony J. Valdez, a Pearl Harbor survivor; his mother, Josephine Henley Valdez, a registered nurse; his brother-in-law, Gerard Costello, and niece in-law Rachel Copp.

Beyond his own family, Tony became a beloved “Grandfather” to neighborhood children. His friendship brought their families an unexpected honorary family member and created a beautiful, lasting bond.

Tony’s family extends heartfelt gratitude to relatives, lifelong friends, neighbors and caregivers, whose love, friendship, prayers, and support enriched his life and brought comfort during his life.

May the fish always be biting, the railroad tracks run on forever, the gardens bloom in every season, his teams never know defeat, the cookies and empanadas always be warm from the oven, and his memory live on in the hearts of all who loved him.

Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Baca’s Funeral Chapel of Las Cruces and Sunset Crematory, 300 E. Boutz Road, 527-2222. Your exclusive provider for “Veterans and Family Memorial Care.” For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com