Joseph "Tony" Anthony Gandara

Joseph "Tony" Anthony Gandara (1949 - 2020) Joseph Anthony Gandara, known as Tony to his friends and family, was born in San Joaquin County to Benito and Julia Gandara, and raised in the foothills of Sutter Creek, California. Tony graduated from Amador High School in 1968, where he excelled and medaled in Track and Basketball. Even at 5’8” he could slam dunk a ball! But it was his record in the Long Jump that held up the longest at Amador, unbroken until the mid-1980s. Tony attended Sierra College, where he continued to play Basketball. He had a long career as a metal fabricator, working for A&J Heating and Air, and always took pride in the work he did. Over the years, Tony's hobbies included waterskiing, drag racing, and speed boat racing. He owned several hot rods and classic cars, was part of the Foothill Flyer crew, and was an accomplished mechanic. Tony genuinely loved life! He loved family dinners with his three daughters, spending time with his girlfriend, as well as evenings spent with friends and coworkers for their weekly margarita nights at El Torero Restaurant. Quite the storyteller, Tony could make even the most mundane story exciting and funny. Most of all, he loved being Papa Tony and spending time with his many grandchildren. Tony is survived by his three daughters, Sonya Backovich, Emily Williams, Morgan DeArmon and Son-in-Law, Nick DeArmon; his seven grandchildren, Chet Castoe, Ashlynd Powell, Lyndon Powell,Devyn DeArmon, Dakota DeArmon, Mikel Carnell and Cash Thompson. His nephew, Dave Williams (Wife, Celeste) of Las Vegas, Nevada. Niece Summer Blasquez (husband, Ryan); great nephew, Maceo Blasquez of Portland, Oregon; brother in law, Warren Clary; and his girlfriend, Barbara Fincham. Preceded in death by parents, Benito and Julia Gandara; son, Jimmy John; sister Rhonda Clary (Isabel Gandara). A graveside service will be held on December 18, 2020 at 2:00pm at the Jackson City Cemetery. The location of an outdoor celebration of life will be announced at the graveside service.