Anthony “Tony” Fazio
11/02/1947 – 04/25/2026

Anthony Joseph Fazio, known as Tony or Papa, passed away peacefully at the age of 78 after a two-year battle with cancer. Tony was born in Providence, Rhode Island, to Joseph Fazio and Vincenza (Nancy) Baffoni Fazio. His life was enriched from the very beginning with an extended family of Chiulli cousins and their children and grandchildren. And beloved sister Joann, husband Bob, and their big, beautiful family.

In 1968, Tony moved coast to coast to San Francisco, where he and his best friend –also named Tony– bought a house he famously bragged was with “no money down.” He and his buddies turned that house into the home he would bring his family to and live in for the rest of his life. While in San Francisco, and occasionally in Washington, D.C., Tony worked on impressive political races, won awards for creative and successful campaigns, made lifelong friends, and most importantly, met and married his loving wife of 44 years, Marie Jobling.

Tony and Marie raised three children: Amy, Joe, and Becky. Tony, known to his grandchildren as Papa, had four new kids to spoil– Adeline, Tony, Stevie, and Marlowe. Spending time with his grandchildren and family was one of his greatest joys in life. One of his other greatest joys was gathering and feeding people. Tony was known to tell his patient wife, “I’ve invited 10 people over for dinner tonight.” and then proceed to make enough pasta to feed 20. Or when eating at a restaurant, telling the server “We’ll have one of every appetizer.” That’s just how Tony was.

In addition to being a great chef, generous host, and legendary orderer, Tony spent much of his career as an award-winning campaign consultant at Winning Directions. He moved from humble beginnings as a grocery clerk and longshoreman, to working in retail and nonprofit spaces, to organizing in the community, which was a true passion for Tony. Later he became a business owner and respected political consultant, building a life defined by political expertise, cultivating deep relationships, and a genuine passion for helping people.

Friends and family remember him as one of the most generous and welcoming people you could ever meet. He never turned anyone away, opening his home for good food, great stories, and for the lucky ones, even a place to stay.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Marie; his children, Amy and her husband Sean, Joe and his wife Katie, and Becky; his cherished grandchildren, Adeline, Tony, Stevie, and Marlowe; and his sister and best friend, Joann, and her husband, Bob.

Tony’s family and friends will host a Celebration of Life at a later date. Memorial donations in his name can be made to the San Francisco Firefighters Cancer Prevention Fund or a charity of your choice.

Tony’s door was always open and his table always full. His legacy of generosity will live on in every shared meal and every story told in his honor.

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