Antonio "Tony" A. Gabaldon

Legislative Resolution

View Legislative Resolution File for Antonio "Tony" A. Gabaldon

Biographical Information

The following is from the Legislative death resolution:

The Honorable Tony Gabaldon passed away on January 3, 1998 at the age of sixty-seven.

A native of Belen, New Mexico, Tony Gabaldon moved to Arizona at the age of thirteen where he distinguished himself as an exceptional athlete and all-state quarterback at Flagstaff High School.  He remained an enthusiastic supporter of athletic events in the community through his later service as a teacher, coach and principal, and his accomplishments earned him induction into the Flagstaff High School Hall of Fame.

A lifelong Democrat, Tony Gabaldon embarked on his political career in 1972 when he won a seat in the Arizona State Senate.  He served sixteen years in this capacity, working diligently on behalf of education and public retirement issues and displaying a tremendous ability to garner the support and respect of his peers on both sides of the political aisle.  He went on to serve as a Coconino County supervisor, a post he held until his retirement from public service in 1995.  A candidate for the United States Congress in 1976, Tony Gabaldon’s other career efforts included service as a staff director for former United States Senator Dennis DeConcini, a worker on Eddie Basha’s 1994 campaign for governor and a manager of personal rental properties.

Despite the demands of his work, Tony Gabaldon gave selflessly of his time, energy and abilities to various worthwhile endeavors, including those that benefited children, seniors, education, Hispanic politics and the Catholic Church.  He was the first volunteer director of Headstart of Northern Arizona, served as a Boy Scout leader and was a founder of the Coordinating Council of Flagstaff on Mexican-American Affairs, which he also served as a coordinator of its annual Miguel Alfaro Memorial Basketball Tournament.

Known statewide for his exceptional cooking skills, Tony Gabaldon was “un gran cocinero” who not only treated friends and legislative colleagues to his culinary creations but also used his talents on behalf of various worthwhile charitable causes.  He would frequently cook to raise funds to buy athletic shoes for children and each year he prepared a dinner for every senior citizens’ center in his district.

Employment

Arizona Legislative Service

Sources

Birth:  Arizona Legislative Biography sheet, first name and middle initial:  obituary:  "Antonio A. 'Tony' Gabaldon."  The Arizona Republic, January 7, 1998, p. CL 25; Death: SSDI; Cemetery:  Find A Grave Memorial 44215290 created by: Paul Sangster, record added: Nov 11, 2009; Occupation(s): AZ Leg Bio sheet