Anthony Joseph "Tony" Pearsall Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

ANTHONY JOSEPH “TONY” PEARSALL February 14, 1946 – June 10, 2019 Anthony “Tony” Joseph Pearsall, 73, of Vallejo, Calif., passed away on June 10, 2019. Tony was born on February 14, 1946 in San Diego, Calif. to Mary Patricia DeCelle and James Edwin Pearsall. When Tony was six months old, his mother moved them to her hometown of Vallejo, where she began working at City Hall. Tony was an alter boy at St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church. Tony was just 13, and his sister Judy 12, when their mother passed. In true Old-Vallejo style, several families helped care for Tony and Judy until they ultimately went to live with Lois O’Hara, a close friend of their mother’s, until they were 18. After graduating from St. Vincent High School in 1964, Tony worked at Vallejo’s Twin Chapel Mortuary as an apprentice embalmer. A friend convinced him to apply for a position with the Vallejo Police Department (VPD), and he was proudly sworn in as a police officer in 1967 at the age of 21 and served for 36 years. Tony wore many hats throughout his life: beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather, uncle, brother-in-law he was a bright light, giving life and love. To most he was known as Captain, Lieutenant, Officer. Tony was an old school police officer, with deep ties to the community in which he both lived and served. Tony earned a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice at California State University, Sacramento, and later graduated from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Tony was a true believer in Community Policing, and loved to work closely with the citizens of Vallejo while on the force. He also served as Vice President of the State of California’s Drug Free Youth Committee. When Tony retired from the PD in 2003, he didn’t leave or retire from Vallejo. He ran for office and was elected to the Vallejo City Council, taught Criminal Justice at Napa Community College and served as Director of Fighting Back Partnership. He was also the ultimate volunteer, delivering Meals on Wheels, working at the Humane Society of the North Bay, managing the citizen-driven Graffiti Paint-Out Team, serving as a Board Member for the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum, and working the information desk at Kaiser. He was a dedicated member of St. Dominic’s Church choir and a member of the Nights of Columbus and St. Vincent de Paul Society. Tony was well known for his quick wit and silly sense of humor. His greatest joy was making people laugh. He loved Christmas, and lit up his homes with bright Christmas cheer every year. Born on Valentine’s Day, he swore that the holiday was created for him. And for birthdays, if you were one of the lucky ones, you’d get his special kazoo birthday song every year. Tony had a pure heart that lit people up around him. He loved his family, many friends, and his cat, Mr. Tennessee Mittens. His laughter, jokes and pranks, his sheer love of life – the world will be much quieter and less funny without him. Tony is survived by his wife, Stephanie Gomes, and his beloved children, Kevin, Keith and Kurt Pearsall, Christina Lund and Aimee Crutcher; his beloved grandchildren, Elizabeth, Tyler, Emily, Riley, Teagan and Brady; and the sister who never left his side, Judy Elizalde. Deep thanks go to Tony’s friends who stood by him these last few years. Memorial donations may be made in his honor to the Humane Society of the North Bay at https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/hsnb or the Alzheimer’s Association at www.act.alz.org. Visitation will begin Friday, June 21 at 5 PM with a Vigil Service at 7 PM at Twin Chapels Mortuary, 1100 Tennessee St., Vallejo. Funeral Mass will be held 11 AM Saturday, June 22 at St. Dominic’s Church, 475 East I Street, Benicia. Private inurnment will be at St. Vincent’s Catholic Cemetery, Vallejo. Cremation and arrangements entrusted to the direction and care of Twin Chapels Mortuary, Vallejo (707) 552-6696. www.TwinChapelsMortuary.com

Anthony Joseph "Tony" Pearsall

February 14, 1946 - June 10, 2019