John J. Tonioni, 59, died peacefully on Thursday, Sept. 3 surrounded by his loving family at UCFS medical center following a long illness.

He grew up in Long Beach and graduated from Banning High School in 1967. He was a resident of Oakdale for over 30 years.

Mr. Tonioni was an active member of the Oakdale Moose Lodge and loved to shoot the breeze with his buddies over breakfast at the Oakdale Café.

He enjoyed traveling, and before becoming ill, he had visited Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, and extended relatives in the Chicago area. He hoped someday to go to Spain. His other hobbies included fishing, hunting, gambling, eBaying, and chatting with his community of online friends, especially Robin, whom he spoke with on a daily basis.

He was an uncle, a great uncle, and a great-great uncle and was fondly referred to as ‘Uncle Buff.’

He is survived by 31 nieces and nephews; and his lifelong best friend, Mike Mounce of Long Beach.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Katherine; father, Raymond; sister, Rosemarie; and brother, Raymond.

A private viewing for family members was held at Salas Brothers Chapel in Modesto.

The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader

Sept. 23, 2009