Tony Fuentes 1934-2025

Born June 13, 1934, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Tony’s life was defined by love, courage and deep devotion to his family. At just 17 years old, he made the bold decision to immigrate to the United States in pursuit of a more prosperous life; shortly after, he fell in love with his soulmate, Annie. The two were married Jan. 26, 1957, beginning a beautiful journey that would span nearly six decades. Their 59 years of marriage were filled with unwavering companionship and joy until Annie was called to heaven on Sept. 23, 2016.

Together, Tony and Annie raised four daughters – Cyndi, Pam, Debbie and Paula – instilling in them the values of hard work, compassion and family unity.

Early on in Tony and Annie’s life, they became proud business owners of King’s Cleaners on Elm Street on the North Side of Youngstown. For 35 years, they served the community with dedication, staying busy during the height of Youngstown’s bustling economy until their retirement.

Tony and Annie were the definition of best friends and soulmates. They spent nearly every moment together, finding joy in the simplest things and creating a strong family bond – most especially around the Sunday dinner table, where generations gathered to share food, laughter and stories.

Tony was a larger-than-life presence in the lives of his seven grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren, all of whom carry cherished memories of his warmth, generosity and stubborn spirit.

In 2018, Tony returned to his beloved Buenos Aires with his children and grandchildren, where they created unforgettable memories exploring the city of his youth and reconnecting with many relatives who still live there. Though he lived most of his life in the U.S., Tony remained deeply connected to his roots and took great pride in keeping his heritage alive within his family.

Tony spoke of his family with incredible pride; however, it was truly the other way around. With just a fourth-grade education, Tony was the ultimate self-taught DIYer. To his family, he was best known as an expert banker, personal accountant, home-remedy doctor and life coach. A truly selfless man, Tony will be remembered most for the lives he impacted.

Tony is survived by his daughters: Cyndi Fuentes of Boardman, Pam (Paul) Shelby of Girard and Debbie (Bob) Hagan of Austintown. He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, TJ (Shelby) Parker of Austintown, Jennifer (Bryant) Wilson of Champion, Christina Stoddard of New Castle, Pa., Nina (Te) Elias of Warren, Madison Shelby of Girard and Cammille Hagan of Austintown; as well as his great-grandchildren, Kenley, Mila, Trey and London Parker of Austintown, Beckham, Harlow, Remi and Nash Wilson of Champion, Tony Elias of Warren and Camryn, Chloe, Jayden and Desmond of New Castle.

In addition to his parents, Tony was preceded in death by his youngest daughter, Paula Stoddard; his brothers, Cacho Fuentes and Alberto Fuentes of Argentina; his sister, Norma Fuentes; son-in-law, Paul Shelby; and his grandson, Mickey Stoddard.

Friends and family may call 10 a.m. to noon Sunday, July 27, 2025, followed by a service at noon at Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Austintown Chapel, 4303 Mahoning Ave., with a luncheon to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Fitch Football Boosters in Tony’s memory.

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