Antonio Cortez Rose was born in Douglas, Arizona on November 11, 1957 to Sylvia Rose and Antonio Cortez. He was adopted by his grandparents Angelina Rose and Victor Rose Sr. He graduated from Douglas High school in 1977 and attended Cochise College.

Antonio “Tony” enjoyed playing the guitar, cards, dominoes, bingo and watching sports. In high school he participated in sports and received many awards and recognition for his athletic achievements. Tony received athletic scholarships for both baseball and football and opted to play baseball at Cochise College. Recruitment scouts from the Kansas City Royals offered him the opportunity to play for their organization and he declined.

Tony was employed by the Douglas Unified School District where he worked with the grounds and maintenance department, since 2006. Prior to his employment with the DUSD he was employed by DARC and Oxford Industries.

In July of this year Tony became very ill and was diagnosed with cancer. He received both radiation and chemotherapy treatments. On Wednesday, September 26th Tony inexplicably fell and was taken to SEAMC where he passed away.

Tony was preceded in death by his mother Sylvia Rose Bess, his grandmother Angelina Rose, and grandfather Victor Rose Sr. Survivors include father Antonio Cortez, fiancée E. Jamie Hestand, daughter Jacqueline Suzette Rose, sister and brother in law, Margaret and Michael Baldenegro, sister Ramona Bess, brothers Johnny Bess, Charlie Rose and Christopher Bess. Nephews Jaime (Nancy) Rose, Zachary (Nicole) Baldenegro, Sampson Bess, Cuba Bess, nieces Chelsea (Paco ) Baldenegro, Delilah (Rob) Carrasco, Ciana Bess, and Cailah Bess. Uncles Tony (Angie) Rose, Victor (Linda) Rose and numerous cousins.

Rosary was held on Friday, September 28th at 7 pm at St. Luke’s Catholic Church with mass of the resurrection on Saturday, September 29th at 1:30pm; also at St. Luke’s Catholic Church. Burial followed at the Calvary Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Johnny Bess, David Rose, Jaime Rose, Zachary Baldenegro, Paco Acosta, Eddie Lopez, Rob Carrasco, Charles Rose and Christopher Bess.

Honorary pallbearers were Alfred Novoa, Daniel Novoa, Tony Rose Jr, Victor Rose III, Dominic Rose, Xavier Fimbres and all of Tony's Friends Who Were There For Him During His Time Of Need.

Brown Page Mortuary was in charge of arrangements, 364-3434.