Anthony Federico, Jr.

Anthony Federico, Jr. “Tony”
Visionary Builder and Former NFL Player
May 12, 1936 – March 13, 2025

LA QUINTA, Calif. -- Anthony “Tony” Federico Jr., a towering figure in the construction industry, passed away peacefully at the age of 88. A man of fierce determination and boundless generosity, Tony left an indelible mark on all who knew him, whether on the golf course, or in the industry he helped revolutionize.

Born in Boston, Massachusetts, on May 12, 1936, Tony was a natural competitor from the start. He was the kind of man who didn’t just love to win, he expected to. Before his rise in the Specialty Concrete Construction Industry, Tony proudly served in the U.S. Air Force Reserves, demonstrating the same discipline and commitment that defined his life. He was honorably discharged the day before the Cuban Missile Crisis started, marking his service during one of the tensest moments in American history. His early years saw him excel in athletics, as a Defensive Half Back for the Boston Patriots in 1960, just before the team became the New England Patriots. While his time in the NFL was brief, it cemented his lifelong love for competition and strategy.

Tony’s competitive fire carried over into his professional life. In 1966, he joined Superior Gunite, where he quickly proved himself a force to be reckoned with. A pioneer in the use of shotcrete, Tony championed its adoption as a cost-effective and structurally sound alternative to traditional concrete pouring. By 1976, when the company’s founder retired, Tony assumed ownership and transformed Superior Gunite into one of the most respected shotcrete companies in the world. His expertise contributed to some of the nation’s most significant infrastructure projects, shaping the skylines and foundations of cities across America.

But Tony was more than just a businessman... he was a man of passion and heart. A proud Italian American, he served on the board of the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles, celebrating the heritage that meant so much to him. He was known for his warmth, his generosity, and a spaghetti sauce so legendary that those lucky enough to taste it still talk about it today.

For over 25 years, Tony called La Quinta, California, home, where he was a cherished member of the La Quinta Country Club and the Lakeside Golf Club. His love of golf took him around the world, playing alongside some of the sport’s greatest legends. He remembered playing in over 150 pro-am tournaments and winning more than 30 of them. Tony was also the last person to play golf with Tiger Woods before he turned pro in 1997. 

Tony participated in many tournaments supporting The Tiger Woods Foundation. One of his fondest memories was playing a round with Tiger himself the day before Woods' first-ever PGA Tour victory. Another highlight came at The Tiger Jam tournament in Las Vegas in 2018 where he was part of the Net Team Championship winner. In 2023, well into his 80s, Tony claimed another victory at The Tiger Jam, a testament to the same drive that had fueled him his entire life.

Tony’s greatest pride was his family. He was a loving father to Ron, Stacy, Felicia, Allena, and Anthony III, step-father to Jonathan, Brigitte, Megan, Benjamin, and David, and grandfather to eleven grandchildren.

In the final days of his life, he experienced a rapid decline, but he was never alone. His wife Linda never left his side, caring for him until the very end.

Tony Federico Jr. was a man who built things... whether it was a company, a career, a championship-winning round of golf, or a family legacy. His presence was larger than life, and while he is gone, his spirit remains in the structures he helped create, the stories he leaves behind, and the love he shared so freely.

A private memorial service will be held at Forest Lawn Memorial Park – Hollywood Hills located at 6300 Forest Lawn Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90068.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Tiger Woods Foundation and The Wunderglo Foundation.

https://tgrfoundation.org/

https://wunderglofoundation.org/