Anthony David GrandeFillmore, CAAnthony "Tony" David Grande, beloved husband, father, papa, brother, teacher, coach, mentor and friend, went home to be with the Lord on August 31, 2017 at the age of 69. After fighting a 4-year battle with lung cancer, he passed away in his Fillmore home surrounded by the presence and love of his wife and five children.Tony was born on December 6, 1947 in Sacramento to Antonio and Irene Grande. He moved to Fillmore at 3 years old, making many wonderful memories with his seven siblings and friends. He was active in Boy Scouts, where he gained lifelong mentors, which he attributed to making a lasting impact on his life. At Fillmore High School, Tony played varsity Football, Baseball and Basketball, and served as Student Body President his senior year in 1966. He attended Ventura College where he wrestled and was involved in student government. Anthony graduated from Fresno State where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and earned his Bachelor's degree and teaching credential.Anthony married the love of his life, Marcia, in June of 1970 at the Fillmore Presbyterian Church. Together they raised five wonderful children in Fillmore. He taught his children and students the three signs of success: "Think Positive, Set Goals, Never Quit." He loved spending time with his grandchildren, taking road trips, visiting new places, and exploring National Parks, his favorite being Yosemite. He took pride in having visited all 50 states, and was always looking forward to planning the next road trip with his wife. Everyone who knew Tony witnessed his passion for inspiring others and helping them realize their value and potential. He had a charismatic personality making friends everywhere he went, and embodied his lifelong motto to "everyday make a difference." He was able to pursue his passion through teaching, starting in 1971 at Hart High School in Newhall. There he coached a number of sports including Cross Country and Tennis, and also served as the Business Department Chair. He spent many years of his teaching career as FBLA Advisor, developing leadership skills in students, encouraging them to set ambitious goals for themselves, and believing in them when many had no other mentor in their life. After spending a decade working for Glencoe-McGraw Hill publishing company, Tony returned to the classroom in Porterville. He spent the last 11 years of his career at Monache High School, where he coached the Girls Golf team, was FBLA advisor, ran the student store, and was awarded Teacher of the Year in 2014. Throughout his 37 years in the classroom, he quickly became a favorite teacher to many students. Tony was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer in 2013. Throughout his battle he remained positive, fighting the disease until the very end. Tony gave his life to the Lord during High School, and through the trials of his illness he knew that God had a plan for his life - to provide courage and motivation to others, when they needed it most. Anthony is survived by his wife of 47 years, Marcia Sharpe Grande, his children Melanie Munoz (Michael), Tiffany Grande, Lacey Hansen (Kevin), Anthony J. Grande (Melissa) and Ashley Grande. His grandchildren; Katelyn and Brooklyn Fiers, James Hansen, step-grandchildren; Gabriella, Charlie, AJ, Genevieve, Caleb and Jillian Munoz; siblings, Angela Galbreath, Linda Grande, Veronica Tucker, Loretta Raines, Richard Grande, Olivia Grande and Cathy Grande.He is predeceased by his father Antonio Grande, mother Irene Musgraves, stepfather Joe Musgraves, and infant brother Mariano Grande. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, September 9th at 11am at Faith Community Church, 461 Central Avenue, Fillmore. A reception will follow at FCCs D Street campus, 355 D Street, Fillmore. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Tony's name to the FHS Alumni Association scholarship fund, the Monache High School Girls Golf team, or Boy Scout Troop 406. For map and directions to ceremony locations and to sign the family's online guestbook, share stories and post pictures please visit our website: www.santapaulafuneralhome.com and click on Anthony's name located below "Recent Obituaries".Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of the Family Owned and Operated ROBERT REY GARCIA JR FUNERAL SERVICES, Santa Paula, CA 93060. 805.229.7054