Anton Clement Baskovich

Tony was born in Velico Brdo, a small hillside village above Makarska Croatia ( Yugoslavia) during World War 2. His father, a fisherman, had migrated to the United States to work to bring his wife and son to a better life. His mother was alone when war broke out and she became a freedom fighter with Tito's army. As a toddler, Tony and his mother struggled to survive, even taking food from dead invading German soldiers. After the war, at the age of nine, and nearly starving, Tony and his mother were finally able to join his father and settle in a small home on Patton Street in San Pedro California. In California, Tony built up his health, he also became a big brother, became a big brother to Marlene, and later George. Tony was a great help as his father was often away on long fishing trips. As his sister tells it, Tony was a kind, quiet and sweet big brother who would play- wrestle with George and bought Marlene her first bike when his parents bought one for George. After graduating San Pedro High School, Tony worked at his uncle's Liquor store in Torrance. He would spend free time goofing around with his friends Anton Antich, Anton Spanjol, and Bill Barren until Anton Spanjol arranged a life changing blind date for Tony. On February 4th, 1961, he met his forever soul mate, Anita Dawn Warren. It was classic love at first sight for both. They immediately became exclusive, and she wrote letters every day when he was drafted abroad to Germany later that same year until 1963. After his Army Service, he obtained employment as an insurance salesman for Liberty National and Tony and Anita married December 14, 1963.Together they quickly grew their family as Anton II (Todd), Jeffrey, Gregory, and Nikkelle soon came along. He began working at Lucky Distributing when he and Anita moved to Visalia, Ca. in 1977, wanting a different life for their children. Family was Tony's life. And he was a wonderful Dad. He was always patient and never bothered when it came to his kids. He was always available and ready to help with homework, teach driving, be at games, events, coaching little league, pickups, drop offs, or whatever the kids or Anita needed, he would do without ever a complaint. He was so proud when each of his grandchildren were born, (Adam, Bailey, Griffin, Faith, and Rachel) and he continued to be a stable and patient influence, ready to teach them and show up for their events and games. Tony also enjoyed all sports. He would watch any sport, and was a lifelong Dodger fan, but he absolutely loved golf. He combined his two loves and personally taught his kids and grandkids the game. He got so excited when one of them called to invite him out on the course when they were older. However, it was not just for golf. He knew his legacy was his children and grandchildren and he would often say how blessed he was that God let his grandchildren have so many memories of him. Tony left this world as peacefully as he lived. Having gotten up in the night to secretly snack on chocolate ice cream, later that morning, as he lay next to his love of 62 years, Anita, he told her he didn't feel well, and then quietly slipped into his Savior's Grace. Tony was a man of honesty and integrity. A family man, whose marriage to his wife Anita, exemplified a partnership of love and devotion. A Dad, whose children loved and respected him because they knew he would always show up for them. A Grandpa, who would always be interested in listening and watching whatever his grandkids wanted to share. He was so loved by his family. There are so many more compliments one could give about Tony. However, our favorite is "How lucky (and blessed) were we to have someone that makes saying goodbye so hard". Tony was preceded in death by his Father George Baskovich; Mother Mandina Baskovich; Brother George Baskovich; Granddaughter Rachel Baskovich. He is survived by his Wife; Anita, Sons; Todd, Jeffery (Melinda), Gregory (Melissa), Nikkelle (Roman); Grandchildren Adam, Bailey, Griffin, and Faith; Sister Marlene (Eddy) Urioste; and countless loved ones. Viewing and Rosary will be held 3:00-7:00 PM Thursday, November 6th, 2025, at Salser and Dillard Funeral Chapel, 127 E. Caldwell Ave., Visalia, Ca. 93277. Mass of Christian Burial services will be held 9:30 AM Friday, November 7, 2025, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 608 N. Church, Visalia, Ca. 93291. Graveside service will immediately follow at Visalia District Cemetery, 1300 W. Goshen Ave. Visalia, Ca. 93291. This special man would have wanted all who knew him to join his family to honor and celebrate his life. Please join the family after services at Amigos Restaurant 5113 W. Walnut Ave., Visalia, Ca. 93277. Services have been entrusted to Salser and Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com .

Anton Clement Baskovich

November 6, 1937 - October 9, 2025