Antonio 'Tony' Alfaro Obituary (1950 - 2024)

Antonio 'Tony' Leal Alfaro Of Eaton Rapids, MI died comfortably with his children at his bedside on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at 5:57 AM at the age of 73, after his prostate cancer metastasized to his bones. As a Christian, Tony was looking forward to going home to heaven. He cherished the special time and laughs spent with his close family that cared for him during his final days on hospice. A devout Christian, Tony's faith guided him through life's challenges and joys. It was this faith that instilled in him the virtues of serving others, leading a Christian life, and the importance of family - values he passed on to those he loved. Tony's life was rich with interests that brought him joy and fulfillment. Whether it was a family birthday or holiday gathering, sitting out at the bonfire, or doing something creative on his computer such as photo-editing; he embraced every moment with gratitude and humor. Tony's example of leadership, hard-work, and responsibility had a profound impact on the lives of his friends and family as reflected in his generous spirit, his sense of humor, and his lifelong resilience. Tony held leadership roles throughout his life a) at school, b) at work, and c) at church including at school receiving a trophy for 'Best Attitude' in high school football leading them to win the 1968 State Championship, ranked 1st in his class for receiving all A's earning a scholarship to Purdue University; at work as a counselor at a half-way house for teen boys, several manufacturing plant manager roles, an IT computer professional for a human service organization; at church by serving as an elder, congregational president, delegate to the synodical convention, Sunday school teacher, president of the Parent-Teacher League; and in many other volunteer capacities such as the Eaton Rapids High School (ERHS) School Board. Tony lived in East Chicago, IN; West Lafayette, IN; Annapolis, MD; Bay City, MI; Tahlequah, OK; and Maple Grove, MN before moving to Eaton Rapids, MI in 1989, where he and his late wife raised their family. Tony led daily devotions with his family and devoted himself to the role of spiritual head of his household. Tony is survived by his girlfriend, Mary Lee Glassbrook; daughter, Regina (Steven) Engler-Burton, their children, Andrew (Bailey) Burton and Cecilia Burton; son, Manuel (Angel) Alfaro, their children, Chris Felzke and Leah Alfaro; daughter, Anna (Michael) Rigg, their child, Katrina Rigg; and daughter, Mary Alfaro; and great-granddaughter, Makenna Felzke. Also surviving are his sister, Dionisia (Hector) Leal, her children, Remy (Tracy) Leal, Magdalena Escoto, & Stephanie Leal; sister, Angelina Leal, her children, Crystal Leal and Thomas Leal; brother, Renee (Yvette) Chavez Leal, their children, Christina Chavez, Jenny Chavez, & Cheyenne Chavez; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Tony was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Margaret Ann Alfaro (Licht); his grandmother, Regina Alfaro; mother, Guadalupe Leal; uncle, Manuel Alfaro; sister, Jenny Leal; son-in-law, Kurt 'Dugan' Engler; and nephew, Phillip Leal. For those desiring to make a gift, memorial contributions may be made to Lutheran Via de Cristo of Central Michigan (LVCCM) via the 'Donate' button at www.lvccm.org. For online condolences, please visit www.skinnerfuneralhome.com.