Anthony Nyman Romasanta
Anthony (Tony) Romasanta, 53, of Santa Barbara, CA, tragically succumbed to his injuries on January 25, 2018, as a result of a head-on car collision on his way home from a ski trip in Mammoth on January 24, 2018, claiming the lives of both him and his fiancée, Sharon Vaughn.
Anthony was born May 10, 1964 to Antonio R. Romasanta and Birgit Nyman Romasanta in Santa Barbara. A Mother’s Day surprise, twins, Anthony and David, completed the family of seven. His love for the ocean began as a baby, where you would find Anthony and his family on the sands of Hendry’s Beach. His respect for nature and animals stemmed from his childhood days spent at the Botanical Gardens, the Natural History Museum, the Santa Barbara Zoo and the Santa Barbara Bird Refuge. Anthony attended local public schools, Kellogg and Vieja Valley Elementary, La Colina Jr. High and San Marcos High School.
Always physically active, Anthony was an exceptional surfer from the start; endlessly chasing waves from California, to Hawaii, to as far off as Indonesia. His favorite local surf spots include Hollister Ranch, Jalama Beach and Surf Beach.
A little boy who would cry going down the waterfall in the Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland, Anthony instead grew up to become an adventure seeker. In addition to the time Anthony spent on top of the water, whether surfing, boating or fishing, he spent an equal amount of time under the sea, as a certified Dive Master. Although very “grounded”, Anthony added to his list of adventures when skydiving from 18,000 ft. with his sister.
Anthony began his career in real estate about 20 years ago, passionately pursuing his real estate agent and broker licenses, working hard while owning his own business, Romasanta Realty. Several years ago, Anthony joined one of his family’s businesses, helping manage the Sandpiper Lodge.
Anthony’s proudest moment, without a doubt, was becoming a father when his son, Anthony, was born. A dedicated dad, Anthony always enjoyed spending time with his son whether at Boy Scouts, skate boarding, or the beach. Sharing their love for sports, they bonded over basketball, practicing their game or cheering on their favorite teams. Most importantly, Anthony loved his son more than anything in this world, from the moment he was born.
Anthony’s evening routine included riding his bike along the Ellwood Bluffs to catch the sunset and take a last look at the surf, with his dog, Tina, riding along in her basket. He ended the day, sitting outside, listening to the owls above in the trees at the home he shared with Sharon.
He and Sharon enjoyed living life together; dancing and listening to live music, whether it be at a concert or a piano bar; playing poker or ping pong; and trying out new places to eat. Like a true Italian he enjoyed a good meal and had an insatiable sweet tooth.
Anthony’s resilience, dedication and compassion, along with his zest for life, is something to admire and anyone who knew him would agree. He lived each one of his days to the fullest, with the utmost appreciation for the time he was given.
Anthony loved Jesus, avidly reading and studying the Bible, and he is most certainly riding the perfect wave forever in Heaven.
Anthony is preceded in death by his parents, Antonio and Birgit Romasanta, and his nephew, Mark Romasanta II. He is survived by his son, Anthony Romasanta; his brother, Mark Romasanta (Nicole), his sisters, Kathryn Romasanta-Eckert and Lisa Romasanta-Crowder (Robert), and his twin brother, David Romasanta; and his many nieces and nephews, Antonia, Vinny, Angelina, Robbie, Kristina, Joey, Nicholas and Bella.
A joint memorial service for Anthony (Tony) and Sharon will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, February 10, 2018 at Calvary Chapel of Santa Barbara, 1 N. Calle Cesar Chavez #21. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Surfrider Foundation Santa Barbara Chapter, PO Box 21703, Santa Barbara, CA 93121-1703, www.santabarbarasurfrider.org.