Anthony "Tony" Bennett Tirico Obituary (1936 - 2022)

Anthony Bennett Tirico "Tony", age 85, passed away on April 16, 2022, at his residence. A visitation was held on Sunday, May 1st, 2022, at Driskill Memorial Chapel, and a Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, May 2nd at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church. Interment followed at St. Andrews Catholic Cemetery in Canyon City. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Elizabeth Catholic Church. On April 16th, 2022, our father, grandfather, and beloved great grandfather, Anthony B. Tirico was called home to be with our Lord in Heaven. He is now pain-free, worry free, and has no anxiety from earthly concerns. He has been joined together with his childhood sweetheart, Diane, who preceded him just four months ago. What a joyous occasion it must be for two people who met as freshmen at Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, CA. They continued to have eyes for each other only, then married in 1960. Diane had finished nursing school and worked while Tony finished his degree in Agronomy at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo. From the time he finished school he wanted to buy a ranch, so Tony worked for Caldwell Banker in Santa Ana, giving him the opportunity to learn all about that type of investment. Soon he found the perfect match, but it was in Oregon. Their parents weren't too happy to see the grandchildren leave, but soon after, Diane, Tony, and all three small children moved to Mt. Vernon, Oregon. What an amazing life change for two people from a busy city. In 1966 in Eastern Oregon was still very rural, but they remained in town or on the ranch their entire lives. Tony was in his element, the joy of being in the outdoors, always watching the herd. He would tell anyone who would ask, that he was always on vacation. Diane liked the company of others and went back to nursing when they moved to town while the kids were in school. Tony was a great storyteller with a sharp sense of humor he could strike up a conversation with anyone. Tony has been reunited in heaven with his loving wife, Diane: grandsons, Eric, and Tony: daughter-in-law, Luann. What a celebration of eternal life that will be! Tony is survived by his sons, Anthony Jr., Joseph, and Richard. He also leaves behind his daughter, Lisa, several grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.