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He has touched countless numbers of people with his message of hope, often into two or three generations of a single family.

After a long battle with Chronic Kidney Disease, Tony went home peacefully to be with the Lord. Anthony was born in Fresno, CA to Amador and Ramona Gaona. He spent the first eight years of his life in the Central Valley surrounded by immediate and extended family. He and his family worked the crops while living in McFarland, CA. When he was 8, the family relocated to Downey, California when his father got a machinist job. The family now consisted of 6 children. During the summer, he would take a bus from Downey to Vacaville

to work on his uncle John Vasquez's orchard with his 4 cousins. He loved the time he spent with them.

Anthony built his young adult life in southern California. He went to El Rancho High School in Pico Rivera, CA . Tony loved playing football for Pop Warner when he was in jr. high school and was the fastest runner on the team. He was a lifelong Dallas Cowboy's fan, but could be caught sneaking over to root for the red side to watch the Kansas City Chiefs. Football season was big in the home filled with good food, good laughs, and phone calls to his brothers and sister to discuss the games as they played out. After most of his immediate

family moved to Vacaville, Tony followed too. He became very active in recovery groups, missions and street ministries all over California, Idaho and Colorado. His goal was to spread hope for healing and the love of God wherever he went. Whether by himself or with a group of people, he always showed up when there was a recovery need. He has touched countless numbers of people with his message of hope, often into two or three generations of a single family. Tony owned and operated Tony's Painting in Vacaville for the last 25 years.

Anthony is survived by wife Shelly Bailey of Vacaville; Mother Ramona Hernandez Vacaville; Brother Jerry Gaona (Patty) of Pico Rivera, CA; Sisters Nanette (Nonnie) of Vacaville; Gina Gaona, Woodland, CA

Children: Anthony Lalo Gaona, LaPuenta, CA; Inez Ramirez, Tustin, CA; Ruben Solis Gaona, Tustin, CA; Alex Hawk (Anna Lee) Vacaville, CA; Brook and Bettina Gaona, Vacaville, CA, Nathan Bailey, Vacaville, CA and Danielle Bailey, Oklahoma City, OK. He is also survived by 20 grandchildren and 3 great grand-children, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews and many, many friends.

Pre-deceased are: His father Amador Gaona, daughter Emily Johnston Gaona, brother Alfonso Gaona, & brother Fernie Gaona

Tony never met a stranger, and to know him was to love him. He was a member of New Hope ChristianFellowship in Vacaville and was very active in the building of the church.

His favorite verse was John 16:33

"I have told you these things so that in ME, you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But takeheart! For I have overcome the world!!"

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A Viewing will be held for Anthony "Tony' Gaona on Friday, October 2, 2026 from 10:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. at New Hope Christian Fellowship; 4910 Allison Parkway, Vacaville, California.

Funeral Service to follow on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 12:00 P.M. at  New Hope Christian Fellowship; 4910 Allison Parkway, Vacaville, California.