Anthony James Pires

CHULA VISTA — After carrying his cross with Jesus for the last six years, filled with many health issues and multiple hospitalizations, Anthony was called to join our Lord and Savior for the joyous celebration of the Resurrection in his final resting place. His beloved wife Jeannine and some of his children, grandchildren and two brothers who live locally were at his side as he transitioned peacefully.

Anthony was born in Maui, Hawaii and lived and was raised in Hawaii by his parents, Anthony David Pires and Ethel Jane Pires, along with his surviving siblings: brothers Richard (Sue) and Frank (Wendy) Pires, and sisters Toni Findlater and Terrie (Wayne) Kleckner. Family was very important to him. He is survived by his five children: Jeannine C. Pires-reese (Kevin), Jeannette C. Zsembik (Mike), Jaylynn C. Thompson (Scott), Jammieson C. Pires (Stephanie), and Justin C. Pires (Nani); and his many grandchildren (Jordyn & Nicolas; Madisyn; Bryan & Nathan; Skylar, Hayley & Courtney; Daniel, Mahealani & Ema).

After a couple of

August 27, 1942 - April 16, 2022 years of devotion at

St. Stephen’s Catholic Seminary on Oahu, he moved to the mainland and received his first degree at the University of San Francisco. There he met Jeannine, a nursing student. They married in 1968 and had fifty-four loving years together. During their time shared, they lived in Concord, CA, where they purchased their first home together and where he took his first elementary school teaching job. Next in Phoenix, AZ where Jeannine’s family lived, he also did some teaching. In San Antonio, TX he worked on oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico.

The last move to Chula Vista, CA, where his two brothers lived, he spent thirty-five years pursuing his passion as a

teacher. He always had an affinity toward teaching. He loved it so much he attended National University completing his Elementary Education Credential, going on to complete his second credential and Master’s degree in Special Education for children with Moderate to Severe Special Needs.; He truly found his calling and could always be heard excitedly discussing the progress of students under his watch, and the absolute joy it brought to him daily. He was happiest when in the classroom and with knowing what he did was making a difference in the lives of young people. He took such joy in every small accomplishment of each of those wonderful children in his classes at Rogers School.

In Chula Vista he first taught at St. Pius X Elementary School where he was also PE Instructor/athletic Director, attending all team sporting events and recording all the stats for individual players. He loved to boast about the many accomplishments of each student and loved to yell loudly during games and at home watching sports on TV. All those who knew Anthony knew he was a true all-around sports fan.

He did have other outside interests, among those were keeping up with the latest Astronomy news and information on new Archeological finds.

Through all these live changes, he never forgot the most important thing in his life, his relationship with Jesus. Wherever he lived, he was incredibly involved in all his Catholic parish activities and served as a lay minister for Eucharist. We are scheduling a funeral Mass at St. Pius X church in Chula Vista for Tuesday, June 28 beginning with a rosary at 10 am, and a Mass at 11 am. A reception celebrating his life will be in the church hall after the Mass. To plan for enough people, please respond to his wife or other family member if planning to attend the reception. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his name to your favorite charity, or to the parish and school at St. Pius X in Chula Vista, CA

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