Anthony Thomas Cesena

Anthony Thomas Cesena

April 27, 1974 – January 5, 2023

The son of Gerald Cesena and Pamela Batrez, Anthony, aka “Thorns,” 48, was born on April 27th, 1974, at the Queen Valley hospital in West Covina, California. His father died when Anthony was around two years old. Anthony was the middle sibling to an older brother Jerry Cesena and a younger sister Vanessa Cabrera. Anthony is two years younger than Jerry. Despite their different personalities, they had a very close brotherly bond.

Raised in El Monte, Ca. He attended LeGore Elementary school, followed by Frank Wright Middle school, and later attended Arroyo High School. Throughout the years, Anthony wasn’t an average kid; he had many gifts and was extremely intelligent. In elementary school, he was a member G.A.T.E Program (GIFTED AND TALENTED EDUCATION )and other higher learning programs. Thorns was naturally athletic, participating in multiple sports. He played baseball and Wrestled, but his passion was Football. After graduating High School, he attended Mt. Sac College in Walnut, Ca.  Before his passing, he was a student at Cal Poly University in Pomona, where he studied toward a degree in Engineering. Despite pursuing his college education for many years, he was about a year away from earning the degree. It wasn’t always easy, but he continued to persevere. At times saying, “F’n Math is kicking my Ass.”

As a young adult, he grew a passion for his Native culture and wanted to learn everything about it. He danced in several of his Tribes Pow Wows. He loved to dance and drum during the ceremonies.   He was the wingman to Michael Joseph Oliva, and throughout the years, they built several sweat lodges together and drummed at many ceremonies. He assisted Mike with getting others up the hill (Indian Canyon at Anne Marie’s Ranch & Rob Hill at Presidio in San Francisco) for their fasting. They both would sweat and pray for those on the hill. He was part of the NAISA group and was involved and touched so many people's lives and hearts throughout the years. His native culture, he studied it, he lived it, he breathed it, he taught it and represented it with great passion.

He started a family with Jenny Parrett and raised three children together Maggie, Jericha, and Anthony Jr. Thorns became a grandfather to Siete, who has just turned one year old.

Anthony was a genuine and honest person. He would never miss the opportunity to give his opinion even if you didn’t ask for it, and we all grew to love him for it. Many describe Anthony as strong, fearless, hardworking, daredevil, blunt, kind, loving, unique, innovative, and loud!

One thing we will all miss is his loud contagious laugh!!!