Jose Antonio (Tony) Diniz died on June 6 from natural causes, just after turning

96 years of age on May 24.

Tony, along with his two sisters and one brother, was born in Shanghai, China, in

1918 to Portuguese parents, Laura Olivera Diniz and Jack Diniz. He grew up

speaking English in his home, attended French-Catholic schools from elementary

to college, and eventually earned a degree in Electrical and Mechanical

Engineering. In 1949 when the Communists entered Shanghai, Tony and his

family moved to Hong Kong. From there Tony emmigrated to Portuguese East

Africa, and in 1952 he immigrated to the United States, becoming an American

citizen in July 1959.

Tony worked both in Virginia and Ohio before arriving in California in 1961, and in

1971 he was officially certified as a professional Industrial Engineer by the State

of California. Tony was proud to work for North American Aviation/Rockwell

International on both the Saturn and Space Shuttle programs. Honored as a

member of Rockwell's National Management Association, he retired in April 1984

after dedicating twenty-one years as an engineer to Rockwell.

Tony's next distinguished career began in July 1980 when he tested and became

certified as an Enrolled Agent (EA). As an EA he prepared tax forms and

practiced before the Internal Revenue Service while working part-time with H&R

Block. Tony set up a private tax practice and in 1984 he became an Accredited

Tax Advisor recognized by California's Accreditation Council (for Accounting and

Taxation, Inc.). As an active member of the California Society of Enrolled Agents

(Orange County chapter), Tony enjoyed attending annual conferences and

diligently served as a director for many years. It wasn't until 2011, due to his

failing health, that Tony ultimately relinquished his EA status and sold his tax

business.

Tony Diniz is survived by his wife of thirty years, Carolyn Grosse Diniz, of Laguna

Hills, his step-son Jeffrey Grosse and wife Connie of Orange, his step-daughter

Janet Grosse Nyquist and husband Ken of Yucca Valley, grand-daughters

Correen, Mary and Christina and six great-grandchildren. Tony loved to travel

with his wife Carolyn, he was a wonderful storyteller, and he loved to provide for

his family. He also was a man of great faith and was an active member of St.

Cecilia Catholic Church in Tustin for many years. Tony will be honored with a

private burial at sea.

Friends and family are invited to a memorial service at St. Cecilia on Friday, July

25, at 2 o'clock in the afternoon.