Tony Joseph Atencio
On Memorial Day, May 29, 2017, Tony Atencio, passed away at the age of 75 years.
A native of Greeley, Colorado, Tony joined the U.S. Army on January 18, 1960. After immediately joining the military, Tony was stationed in Kaiserslautern, Germany. While in Germany, Tony met his wife of 54 years, Elke (Bihy) Atencio. Tony and Elke had four children together, Tony Atencio, Patricia Coscione, Christa McCarthy and Hermann Atencio.
During his military career, Tony received an Associate’s Degree from Orange Coast College, Costa Mesa, California. Tony also received the National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal (5th Award), Marksman Badge; M14 Rifle. In 1980, Tony retired from the U.S. Army after 20 years of service.
After the military, Tony worked for Security Pacific Bank and Bank of America. In 1999, Tony opened a successful vocational school. Tony was a passionate fan of the Dallas Cowboys and the Los Angeles Lakers.
Tony will be forever remembered by his wife and children along with 8 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren and one on the way. Tony will also be remembered by his siblings, numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and close friends.
On Monday, June 12, 2017, there will be a Private Family Viewing from 9:00 am to 10:00 am at England Family Mortuary – 27135 Madison Avenue, Temecula, California, 92590. A public Celebration of Tony’s Life will be at 10:00 am. Graveside services will be at Riverside National Cemetery at 12:30 pm - 22495 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, California 92518.
There will be a Reception from 2:00 ~ 5:00pm at:
8Bit Brewing
26755 Jefferson Ave. Suite F
Murrieta, CA 92562
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My Bapa (Opa) was an amazing man. I will forever remember his air hugs as we drove off. His late night smoothies after Oma went bed was one for the books and taste buds. His made up stories just calm us down or right before bed. The silly names he made up for every friend or boyfriend or girlfriend we took to meet him. He always had jokes. I will forever miss his laugh, smile, and hugs. His hugs could make anyone feel better. I love you and miss you so much Bapa. You will always be in my heart
My Nino…his ever-present humor was a sort of therapy for others. He truly made you laugh. His jokes were mostly playful and silly. For example, he told me that I had to be pushed in a wheelbarrow at my baptism. He was always serious when telling me this, but I knew better. Luckily, I didn’t have to be pushed in a wheelbarrow when he walked me down the aisle on my wedding day (20 years ago!) This was an endearing moment for me because he was my stand in father on this day. I didn’t get to spend any time with my Nino after I got married, but at least I have this last fond memory. I am especially proud of his service to our country. He was a veteran who seemed to be untouched by hardship. I’ve read that humor is a core component of resiliency. Nino was tough, but he didn’t hide behind it. He was also a sensitive man, which is why he was such an excellent choice for a Godfather. He served his purpose and for this I will be forever grateful. May you rest in God’s loving arms, Nino. ❤️Linda Nichols (Goddaughter and niece)
Nice memories. His words will always be with you
Tony was like a grandfather to me.
Not just by way of his grand daughter, but through the bond we formed when he took me into his home. At such a low point in my life he began by giving me no privacy, a sunrise awakening when I wanted a sunset awakening, and pointless random chores of sorts. For awhile I’d awaken to his loud voice and bright light as he pulled the blinds. “Get up! You can’t just rot in here! Go dig a hole!””
I fought back and argued with him constantly. He reminded me, when I did, that he only had my best interest at heart. He wanted to help me. It was difficult for me to hear then. I couldn’t see it, I was convinced he had nothing better to do with his time but to pester me. He loved me and i was getting tough love, whether i wanted it or not. He wanted so badly for me to be responsible; to become a man. I learned a lot from him when I let go and listened. He was wise and drove motivation into me slowly. He knew I was struggling, but he didn’t back down. He knew Noah would struggle because of my actions. He loved him dearly.
Before his great grandson Noah was born he always used to tease and say that he hoped he’d be a red head like his dad. He would explain in a very humorous, ‘Tony- type way’, all the things they would do together. Very fond memories of a kind-hearted, sensitive, and truly loving man.. Such a great silly type of personality! 🙂
I will forever be grateful for a man that truly believed I could do great things with my life. For a man that gave me more than just shelter or a warm meal, but one that offered his shoulder to cry on and his wisdom without cost. I’ll never forget our late late night conversations, at times with laughter, and others with tears. Wish I’d spent some time with you before you left this place. You know I’ve had a rough time of things. Unfortunately, I might still be in that battle, but I’m a step closer because of you.
Tony was like a grandfather to me…
correction, he was a grandfather to me…
and m