Antone M. (Tony) Avila, 89, passed away peacefully at Doctors Medical Center Hospital on Thursday, Nov. 1, 2012.

Born in Crows Landing on Nov. 5, 1922, he was of Portuguese heritage.

He later became a dairyman in Oakdale and Manteca and he settled in Waterford in 1956. In later years he worked as an almond farmer and most recently lived in Oakdale.

He will be greatly missed for his love of life, jokes and love of friends and family.

Survivors include his loving and devoted companion of 15 years, Yvonne Campiotti of Modesto; daughter Mary Ann Mercurio; sons David Avila, Anthony (Tony) Avila, all of Oakdale; sister Annie Amaral of Crows Landing; 10 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Amos and Maria Avila, who immigrated from Terceira, Azores; brothers, Manuel Avila, Charles Avila; sister Mary Souza; ex-wife Alice Avila and son-in-law John Mercurio, Sr.

A viewing and service was held Friday, Nov. 9 at the Oakdale Church of the Nazarene and at Salas Brothers Funeral Chapel of Modesto.