Anthony Metenet Heintz

In Memory of Anthony "Tony" Metenet Heintz

A Life Well Lived

On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, Anthony "Tony" Metenet Heintz passed away peacefully in San Diego at the age of 99, with his loving daughter Julie by his side. Tony lived a remarkable and fulfilling life, leaving behind a legacy of love and kindness for others. He often expressed his humorous outlook, once saying, "Getting to 100 is overrated!" He was born on August 14, 1926 in Oakland, California. Tony attended San Diego High School. In 1944 he made the courageous decision to leave school and enlist in the US Navy during World War II. He earned an Honorable Discharge in 1947. During his time in the Navy, Tony served as an Apprentice Seaman, Seaman 2, and Baker 3 aboard the USS General W.C. Langfitt AP 151 Transport ship and the USS Piedmont AD17 Destroyer Tender. His battle station aboard ship was a gunner on a 1.1 anti-aircraft gun. He traveled across the world and participated in numerous campaigns and operations, including the European African Area, Asiatic Pacific, Marshall Islands Campaign, Saipan, The Battle of Leyte Gulf, the Occupation of Japan, Philippine Liberation, American Area, and earned a Victory Medal for his service in WWll.

After returning from the war, Tony pursued his interest in becoming a Forest Ranger and developed a deep love for the outdoors. He spent summers doing trail work at Yosemite National Park. One of his contributions was assisting with the Yosemite Firefall nighttime display at Glacier Point, where Red Cedar bark was hauled to the top and burning embers from a bonfire were pushed over the cliff, creating a stunning spectacle for campers below.

Tony attended San Diego State College and began work as a Surveyor for San Diego Gas and Electric Co. Tony married the love of his life, Yvonne Schurra on October 18, 1952. Together they raised three wonderful daughters and he continued to work for SDG&E as a Property Inspector until he retired after 36 years. Volleyball was his lifetime sport as he played beach volleyball in the early 50's and was a founding member of OMBAC. He played league volleyball and participated in Senior Olympics volleyball earning gold medals well into his 80's. He also enjoyed camping, gardening, fishing and swimming. He was a fan of the Padres, Chargers, listening to Big Band, Jazz music and had interests in Ham Radio and Antique Gas Engines.

Tony's life was embedded with great love for his family. He adored his wife and daughters. He was a humble man, always thinking of others, self-sacrificing, picking up extra jobs, generous, responsible and resilient in overcoming any obstacles he faced. He had a strong faith in the Lord and enjoyed volunteering as a teen leader for the youth group at Palisades Presbyterian Church. Later he was the friendly face for many years at the College Avenue Baptist Church Information booth and he volunteered at the old Aerospace and Miniature Train Museums in Balboa Park. He had a vast and enjoyable trivia knowledge about the San Diego area along with several proverbial sayings such as "Keep your powder dry!", "Watch the donut, not the hole!" and a favorite of ours, "Terrific!" He was a "Gentle Giant" at 6'4" with size 13 EEE "Gunboat" shoes as he called them. He was bigger than life, gave warm hugs, great smiles and wonderful memories.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Yvonne, his granddaughter Christina Leighton, his mother Frances Sturm and father Leo Heintz. He is survived by his three daughters, Jill Cutler (Robert), Julie Leighton (Ken), and Jana Hamby (Tracy), six grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and sister Bernadette Heintz Jackson. He was an inspiration to all who knew him. He was an absolutely Terrific Dad and Papa Bear and we will keep him in our hearts forever.

Per his wishes there will be no services.