News Summary
Newport Beach is grieving the loss of Antonio ‘Tony’ De Frenza, a cherished community member, engineer, and family man who passed away peacefully at the age of 99. Born in Italy and a resident of Newport Beach since the 1960s, Tony’s legacy of kindness, innovation, and family devotion will be remembered by all who knew him. Friends and family are invited to celebrate his life at a memorial service in early September.
Newport Beach Mourns the Loss of Beloved Community Member
Newport Beach has lost a true gem with the passing of Antonio “Tony” De Frenza, who peacefully left this world on August 1, 2025, at the remarkable age of 99. This beloved engineer, family man, and vibrant personality touched countless lives during his journey, and his legacy will surely endure.
A Humble Beginning
Born on March 19, 1926, in Triggiano, a quaint town near Bari in Italy, Tony’s early years were shaped by a unique set of challenges. Raised largely by his devoted mother, Maria De Frenza, while his father, Giovanni De Frenza, sought job opportunities in the United States, Tony experienced a childhood that was greatly influenced by the events of World War II. The resilience that Tony developed during this tumultuous time would later become a defining trait in his life.
Sporting Aspirations and New Beginnings
In his youth, Tony was not just an academic; he was a talented soccer player who played professionally as a midfielder. With a spirit of adventure, he made the bold decision to immigrate to the U.S. in April 1949 at the young age of 23, arriving with nothing but determination and no knowledge of English. His journey led him to settle in Ontario, California, where he worked at Kaiser Steel while also pursuing his studies at Chaffey Junior College.
Through sheer willpower, Tony earned a full academic scholarship to the University of Southern California (USC), where he graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering in June 1955. During his college years, he co-founded the first club soccer team and took on the role of a dorm floor proctor, showcasing his leadership and commitment to community.
A Love Story
In a beautiful testament to love and partnership, Tony married his soulmate, Giuliana, on September 30, 1957, in Taranto, Italy. The couple marked their milestones with vow renewals, celebrating both their 25th and 50th wedding anniversaries in special locations—Taranto and Newport Beach, respectively. Together, they built a loving family, welcoming two sons: John (born in 1959) and Marcello (born in 1963).
In the mid-1960s, the De Frenza family settled in Newport Beach, purchasing their cherished family home on Windward Lane in 1968. Known for his playful humor and kindhearted nature, Tony quickly became a beacon of positivity in his community.
A Career of Innovation
Tony distinguished himself as a brilliant microwave engineer with a career that spanned reputable companies like General Dynamics, Rockwell International, and Boeing. His innovative spirit led him to work on pioneering projects that miniaturized microwave circuits used in guidance and communication systems, leaving a mark on the engineering world.
In addition to his engineering work, Tony was passionate about education. He played an instrumental role in helping Giuliana establish the Montessori Harbor-Mesa School in Costa Mesa, California, which blossomed into a thriving institution. The school grew to accommodate up to 200 children across two locations, benefiting from Tony’s unwavering support even after his retirement in 1988.
Family Adventures and Lasting Memories
Family was always Tony’s foremost priority. He delighted in creating special memories during trips to Big Bear, where the family enjoyed the great outdoors through hikes and joyous evenings filled with laughter and games around the fire. He also cherished days spent boating and fishing along the beautiful coastlines of Huntington Beach and Newport Beach, sharing unforgettable moments with his sons. Summer vacations in Italy allowed him to reconnect with extended family, especially in the seaside community of Soverato.
Remembering a Legend
Today, Tony is survived by his loving wife, Giuliana Rosa De Frenza, his two sons John and Marcello, their wives, and his cherished grandsons and great-grandchildren. His passing leaves a void that will be felt profoundly by all who knew him, including his parents and brother, Frank De Frenza, who predeceased him.
Friends and family are invited to celebrate Tony’s life on September 6, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Newport Beach, California. His legacy will be remembered through special moments filled with love, humor, ingenuity, and strong family bonds that have inspired all of us.
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Additional Resources
- OC Register: Antonio “Tony” De Frenza Obituary
- Wikipedia: World War II
- OC Register: Newport Beach Community Remembers Tony De Frenza
- Google Search: Microwave Engineering
- OC Register: Remembering Tony De Frenza
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
