Julio Antonio Cartagena

Graveside funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 7, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. at Home of Peace Porter ville Cemetery for Julio Antonio "Tony" Cartagena, who entered into eternal rest on Saturday, March 20, 2021.

Tony was born on August 10, 1959 in Villalba, Puerto Rico, to his parents, Julio and Ana Maria Cartagena, the oldest of 5 children. Julio Sr. was in the military, and the family relocated to Porterville, California, when Tony was a little boy. He attended local schools and graduated from Porterville Highschool in 1977, where he was a quarterback. Tony loved all kinds of sports, so much so that his love of sports continued well past his PHS glory days. He refereed basketball games at Porterville College and served as an umpire for youth baseball for almost 40 years. Tony also loved going to casinos as well, and enjoyed staying at Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino in Coarsegold, California.

Tony grew up on "A" Street, where games were made up. There was the rickety makeshift basketball hoop that was erected in the vacant lot next to the family's home. He also invented Lemon-ball, where a lemon-shaped squeeze bottle was used as the ball. Because of the unusual shape of the lemon, it made hitting more of a challenge. Tony loved to listen to music, with some of his favorite artist ranging from Elton John to REO Speedwagon. Tony worked many years for Southern California Edison as a Meter Reader, as well as Waterman Industries as an Engineer.

Tony is survived by his Wife, Sally J. Cartagena; Sister and Brother-in-law, Aida and Tony Sanchez; Brothers Miguel Cartagena and Jose Cartagena; Son Lucas Cartagena; Daughter Lexis Cartagena; Stepdaughter and Son-in-law, Amanda Celio and Travis Manuel; Stepdaughter Brandi Peyron; Stepsons Michael Celio, John Celio and Branden Peyron; as well as numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and other extended family members.

Tony was preceded in death by his parents, Julio and Ana Maria Cartagena, as well as his brother, Hector Cartagena.

Tony, you will forever live on in our thoughts and memories. Rest in peace Tonio.