ANTHONY "TONY" AYERZA SR.

Tony was born in Fresno, California, to Juan and Grace Ayerza. Raised by a Spanish Basque father and a French Basque mother, Tony was a first-generation Basque who was extremely proud of his culture. He grew up in Tranquillity, CA, where he attended elementary school through high school as a Tranquillity Tiger. He went to California State University Fresno until he enlisted into the U.S. Army. He completed his training in Fort Benning, Georgia, and became an E-5 Sergeant in the second infantry, "second to none." He served two years active duty and seven years reserve. He married his sweetheart and forever soulmate Elizabeth (Joann) Daggs on August 24, 1963. They moved to Kerman, CA, in 1970 to raise their two sons, Anthony Jr. and Joseph.

Tony was an electrician for over 50 years and dedicated over 25 years to the County of Fresno building maintenance division. He also farmed grapes and almonds.

Tony coached his sons' little league baseball teams for many years. He also volunteered for the Kerman High School chain gang for over 50 years and was inducted into the Kerman Hall of Fame. Tony was a proud Basco and a member of the Fresno Basque Club from its inception. He practiced and instilled the Basque heritage into his children and grandchildren.

Tony was a man of God devoted to the Catholic parish. He loved being out in the field on his tractor and spending time with his dogs. Tony and Joann enjoyed time with family and their annual family trip to Santa Cruz. He loved watching his grandkids play sports and was always on the sidelines cheering them on. Tony was taught to play the Basque game Mus by his parents, and he played in Basque tournaments with his best friend and brother, George. Tony also taught his family how to play Mus, which became the center of most family gatherings. Tony had a warm smile that could light up a room. His selflessness and love for his family and others never went unnoticed. He had a kind, gentle, and patient heart. Tony's personality was one of a kind, and he made others laugh with his jokes and nicknames.

Tony is preceded in death by his parents, Juan and Grace, and his brothers, John and George.

He is survived by his wife Joann; his son, Anthony Jr. and his wife Kelly, and their children, Anthony III and his fiancé Mitzi, Jordan, Heather, and Loryn; his son, Joseph and his wife Sonja, and their children, Joshua and his wife Leslie, Danielle, Brooke, her husband Jordan, their daughter Blakely, and Kaitlyn. He also leaves behind many cousins, nieces, nephews, and close friends.

Visitation will be held at Yost & Webb Funeral Home in Fresno, CA, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, May 30. On Tuesday, May 31, the Recitation of the Rosary will be at 10:00 a.m. and Mass at 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick's Church Parish Center in Kerman, CA, followed by the graveside service at 12:00 p.m. at St Peter's Catholic Cemetery.

In loving memory of Tony, The Tony Ayerza "Second to None" scholarship will to be awarded annually to a Kerman High School student enrolled in ROP/CTE program. Please send donations in care of Yost & Webb Funeral Home, 1002 T. Street, Fresno, CA 93721.

The Lord's Prayer in Basque

Gure Aita zeruetan zarena,
santu izan bedi zure izena,
etor bedi zure erreinua,
egin bedi zure nahia
zeruan bezala lurrean ere.
Emaiguzu gaur egun hontako ogia;
barkatu gure zorrak,
guk ere gure zordunei
barkatzen diegunez gero;
eta ez gu tentaldira eraman,
baina atera gaitzazu gaitzetik.
Amen.