Anthony Michael Sanza (Tony) was a fearless fighter; unfortunately, he lost his battle with cancer on April 11, 2015 at his home in Roseville, Calif. He was 35.
Tony was born to Marcia and Nicholas Sanza Sr. on May 6, 1979 in Vallejo, Calif. He graduated Napa High School in 1998 and married Ashley Banks in 2010.
Tony enlisted in the Army in 2005 and was attached to 4th Brigade, 2nd ID, Charlie Company, 1/38th Infantry Unit. He was deployed to Iraq for 11 months before being injured in the line of duty. He received an honorable discharge in 2008. He also traveled to Afghanistan as a security contractor. Prior to the military, Tony followed his passion for the martial arts where he studied Kajukenpo Karate and participated in many full-contact Karate tournaments. He went on to be ranked #2 in the nation in his weight class in the International Kickboxing Federation. Tony also boxed professionally for promoter Don King. Tony studied Jiu-Jitsu and participated in MMA with the Cesar Gracie Academy.
Tony was known for his humor, generosity, and loving attitude. He enjoyed fly fishing, camping, archery, running, prospecting for gold, building fast cars, model building, RC flying, repairing fire arms, and crafting with leather. He was an experienced certified welder and also built a successful auto detailing business in the Napa area.
Tony is survived by his most precious 4 year old daughter, Emma Sanza. Tony is also survived by parents Marcia and Nicholas Sanza Sr. of Napa; grandparents Evelyn Sanza, Francis "Jeep" Sanza, and Mattie Conant of Napa; brother Nicholas Sanza Jr. (Angela) of Napa and sister Lucia Souza (Jared) of Windsor; aunts and uncles Patricia Salsman of Saratoga, Tim and Christine McCall of Grass Valley, Lavon Fagan of Napa, Frank and Pam Sanza of Sherman, Texas; his nieces Maddison and Amelia Souza; and numerous cousins.
Tony was pre-deceased by his grandfather Homer Conant, and his uncle Richard Salsman.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 7, 2015, at the Sunrise Community Church, in Fair Oaks, Calif.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tony's memory to Semper Fi Fund, 825 College Blvd, Suite 102, PMB 609, Oceanside, Calif. 92057