Tony Vina
1945 ~ 2008
Cherished husband, loving father, best grandpa, caring friend, fun guy, and community leader, Tony Vina, 62, died on Jan. 14th at his home in Salt Lake, from cancer.Tony was born in Alexandria, Louisiana Aug. 31, 1945 to Daniel and Helen Vina.
Tony moved frequently during his youth with his military family which gave him the ability to make friends wherever he went. And boy did he! At 17, Tony settled in Salt Lake with his beloved grandmother "Nanny." Tony quickly made many friends and saw opportunity around every corner. In 1968, through mutual friends, Tony met his wife to be, Sherry, and the two soon became inseparable. They were married February 14th, 1970. It was often said that Tony could "sell an ice cube to an Eskimo." But truly, Tony found passion in everything he did and could inspire it in you. Whatever caught or needed his attention became a priority in his life. Tony's enthusiasm was contagious. He loved his wife, his kids, his grandchildren, his friends, his business and the community. Tony enjoyed everything from Bocce ball, the Italian American Civic League, to Salt Lake City's Chapter 3 of the International Footprinter Association, numerous business associations, and becoming involved in political and community affairs. Tony fulfilled the promises he made to those around him. He will be greatly missed in all arenas of his life. But, his spirit has been left in so many places, he certainly will not be forgotten. Tony left no stone unturned or unpolished.
Tony enjoyed traveling the world with his family and bicycle rides on the beach with Sherry. He found pleasure in each day and made the most of the life he did not want to leave. Those who knew him would not be surprised that he fought his cancer until his final moment never willing to give up.
Tony is survived by his wife Sherry; daughters Tiffanie (Mike) Provost and Tara (Ken) Roth; sons Daniel, Anthony, and Rhett; grandchildren Dalton (Forest) Provost and Trey (Boeing) Provost, Saige Vina, Ryan (Jetblue) Roth and Sherry Ann (Ann+) Roth. His sisters Sue Melton, Carol (Rob) Andrews. His brother Mike Vina. Tony was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Jerry Vina.
The Vina family give special thanks to The Huntsman Cancer Center, The U of U BMT unit, and Dr. Guido J.K. Tricot.
Services will be held at St.
Ambrose Church, 1975 S. 2300 E., Sat., January 19th 2008 at 1 p.m. A gathering for family and friends immediately following the service at Ben and Gloria Russo's at 2341 E. 3000 S.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Huntsman Cancer Center. In lieu cards or condolences, please email your favorite "Tony Vina" story on the Tribune obit site or mail to: Vina Distributing, 351 W. 400 S. Salt Lake City UT 84101.