Memorial services have been set for beloved local restaurateur Tony Carbonara.
Rosary and viewing hours will be Monday from 4 to 9 p.m., while the mass will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday -- both at Our Lady of Fatima Church.
A private internment will follow the mass, and then the Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens will host an open house and remembrance from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, according to the Downtown Business Association web site.
Carbonara's friends and family ask people to refrain from sending flowers and instead hold their contributions until a specific charitable cause is set up in Tony's name. More information to come.
From Jan. 25:
A well-known San Clemente restaurateur and philanthropist succumbed to a stroke the evening of Jan. 24, failing to wake from a medically-induced coma.
Tony Carbonara, 59, suffered the massive stroke, collapsing at the Valero gas station the morning of Jan. 23.
Those close to Carbonara said he was surrounded by friends and family as doctors took him off life support. They then celebrated his life at his iconic Carbonara Trattoria restaurant on Avenida Del Mar.
He was well known as a caterer and was heavily involved in local charities and organizations like the Boys & Girls Clubs, Chamber of Commerce and the Ocean Festival, among others.
San Clemente Mayor Bob Baker spoke fondly of him in an email to Patch Friday:
Tony Carbonara was an institution in San Clemente. If there was a civic event or fundraiser, everyone knew they could count on Carbonara’s to go above and beyond. I was proud to call him a friend; and his many friends are going to miss him dearly.
Sincerest condolences go out to the Carbonara family from the Baker family and from all the residents of San Clemente.
It’s a sad day for all of San Clemente.
Read the Orange County Register's obituary with dozens of fond remembrances here.
What is your favorite memory of Tony Carbonara? Tell us in the comments.
