Anthony Lane Pina

Anthony Lane Pina, (lovingly known as Tony) age 59, passed away on June 18th in San Diego, California. Tony was born on January 30th, 1964 in Boston, Massachusetts to Ralph and Carolyn Pina. He was the 6th of 10 siblings. Tony was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle and friend to many. He inspired everyone around him to be the best versions of themselves and nothing less.

Tony was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts where he attended Boston Tech High School. His adventurous nature was the driving force behind his many life’s achievements. When he was only 11 years old, he joined a youth group called “Shanghai,” this is where he developed his leadership skills and his love for dirt bikes. Tony’s adventurous life did not stop there as it was just the beginning of a life lived to its fullest.

Tony left Boston to join the United States Marine Corps. He spent 13 years serving his country and living out his second great adventure as one of “The Few and The Proud.” During his time in the Marine Corps, Tony specialized as an Aircraft Mechanic, Reconnaissance Man, Scout Sniper and Recruiter. While serving in the Marines, Tony was stationed at several locations across the country, including Camp Lejeune, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, recruiting duty-Los Angeles, Marine Corps Base Hawaii and Naval Air Station Lamore. He was involved in several military campaigns including Lebanon, Desert Storm (two tours) and Grenada. Due to Tony’s skill, intelligence, fortitude & endurance, he was a highly decorated Marine, earning the Navy Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation with 2 stars, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal 4th Award, Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Southwest Asia Service Medal with 2 stars. Tony retired from the Marine Corps with the rank of Sergeant.

Shortly after joining the U.S. Marine Corps Tony met and married the love of his life in South Carolina, Miss Donna Moultrie. This was by far Tony’s most priceless adventure… full of love and one that brought him the most fulfillment. Tony and Donna had two daughters: Briann & Kayla. This adventure was complete with boating on Lake Havasu, quad riding for the whole family and racing motorcycles & Ford Mustangs. Tony lived an exciting life and it brought him joy to bring Donna, Briann & Kayla with him for the ride.

Upon completing his service with the United States Marine Corps, Tony set eyes on his fourth great adventure in 1995. He joined the California Highway Patrol in Southern California and once again he was serving and protecting his fellow comrades and community. Tony graduated from the CHP Academy holding the rank of Company B Commander. During his tenure, Tony was a Certified Motor Trainer Officer as well as a Commercial Level One (certified to inspect commercial vehicles). Tony was at the top of his squad and was always known to be one of the best in his division. He was part of the prestigious CERT Team as well as the IDTF (Impaired Driving Task Force). Tony retired from the Temecula branch of the CHP in 2018. During his 23 years as a CHP Officer, he embodied his “Oath of Honor: I will never betray my badge, my integrity, my character or the public trust. I will always have the courage to hold myself and others accountable for our actions. I will always uphold the Constitution, my community, and the Agency I serve.”

Tony’s fifth and final great adventure was his retirement from a long lustrous life full of “to serve and protect.” He had a new mission and that was to enjoy his family and his hobbies. As a skilled jet mechanic, he became a motorcycle aficionado, who loved riding his bike with friends all over Southern California. You could also find him in his garage working on his cars or motorcycles and making their engines operate as smooth as a F-18 Fighter Jet. Tony made sure that his retirement was full of doing all of his favorite things and that included spending quality time with his family, watching movies & hiking.

Those left to cherish Tony’s memory include his lovely devoted wife of 35 years, Donna Pina, his beautiful and accomplished daughters, Briann Pina Kayla Pina and Shaquasha Pina, his five grandchildren, his siblings; Ralph Beach, Kathy Campos, Joyce Pina, Deserie Davenport-Walker, Derek Pina, Vincent Pina & Rashawn Ambers, his sister-in-laws; Terri Shoates Pina, Ella Cohen, Carren Cohen, Regina Cohen and Angela Maservey Pina, his brother-in-law Ervin Walker, his Uncle George (Sonny) Pina, his Uncle-in-law Robert Cohen, his nieces & nephews, his closest and dearest friends; Robert Evans, Dave Keazer, John Tyler, Jason Britton, Chris Doten, Lenny Winstead, and a host of cousins, relatives, friends and loved ones.

Tony was preceded in death by his mother Carolyn Pina, his father Ralph Pina and his siblings; Richard Pina, Ralph Pina Jr. Last but not least his cherished dog and best friend, Teddy Max Pina.

Tony was a man of conviction. His word was his bond. He was a true leader and a force to be reckoned with.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to England Family Mortuary, Inc.