Tony Fazio, beloved husband of CLC Co-Executive Director Marie Jobling, passed away peacefully on April 25, surrounded by family after a long battle with cancer.
He was a longtime community advocate, strategist, mentor, and cherished member of the CLC community. For years, Tony was a familiar and joyful presence at CLC gatherings, celebrations, meetings, and events. Those of us who had the chance to spend time with him greatly valued his friendship, generosity, and the many stories he shared with us over the years.
Tony, alongside Marie and Sandy and Jeff Mori, led the determined group that helped envision and advance what became San Francisco’s Dignity Fund, a landmark commitment to ensuring dedicated funding and services for older adults and people with disabilities. Their work helped create lasting structural support for communities that are too often overlooked in city budgeting and policy decisions. The impact of that effort continues to be felt every day across San Francisco. And as it faces pressure again from the current administration, we will continue the fight in his name.
Tony brought decades of organizing experience and leadership to everything he touched. Born in Providence, Rhode Island, he began his working life as a grocery clerk in a union supermarket before moving to the Bay Area in the late 1960s. Over the years, he worked as a longshoreman, union organizer, community organizer, political strategist, and nonprofit leader. He remained deeply committed to community-based work throughout his life, working with numerous organizations including CLC’s Bayview Home-Delivered Grocery partner Unity Resources and as a board member at Mission Neighborhood Centers. Tony founded Winning Directions, a nationally respected direct mail and political communications firm that helped shape hundreds of campaigns and advocacy efforts nationwide. Widely recognized for his expertise in messaging and organizing, Tony mentored generations of advocates and consultants and earned more than 100 Pollie Awards for excellence in political communications.
Tony hoped people would continue gathering, telling stories, and finding connection even in grief. In that spirit, friends and community members are invited to join the family’s ongoing tradition of gathering with friends during the Fair Oaks Garage Sale and Street Fair this Saturday, May 12. Community members are welcome to stop by in front of 112 Fair Oaks between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to share stories and memories of Tony. The family will hold a larger celebration of Tony’s life for the community later this year.
We extend our deepest condolences to Marie, Amy, Joe, Becky, and the entire Fazio-Jobling family.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Tony Fazio’s honor may be made to the San Francisco Firefighters Cancer Prevention Foundation, Community Living Campaign, or a charity of your choice. If you have photos or stories to share, please send them to happy@sfcommunityliving.org.
Tony leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of service, organizing, mentorship, storytelling, and love. Most of all, he leaves behind a stronger community because he helped build it. Tony will be profoundly missed and gratefully remembered.