Anthony L. Machado (87) passed away peacefully on December 9, 2020. Anthony was known by many names- Tony to his friends and Papa T to his family. He was born in Turlock on Valentine’s Day in 1933 to Anna Pires and Antonio Silveira Machado, and the world was better for it. Tony served in the Korean War, married Dotty Slayback, and started his career as a lifelong dairy farmer. He was a pillar of his community, becoming a leader in agriculture and youth sports in his hometown of Chowchilla.
As a devout Catholic and football fan, he dedicated his Sundays to the Lord and his Saturdays to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Tony valued hard work and always taught his children and grandchildren the morals his mother instilled in him- be a good person and do not embarrass the family. He took those lessons to heart, devoting countless hours to coaching local youth baseball teams, pulling chains at the high school football games, volunteering at church fish fries, raising cattle and serving on the committee for the Spring Festival, and serving many years as a board member for the Madera District Fair, in addition to running a successful dairy operation. He made his family very proud.
Tony also knew the value of celebrating life to the fullest, for which he came to be well known. No one threw a Fourth of July party like Papa T. He was the perfect host, often telling his guests to stay as long as they wanted, as long as they locked the door on their way out. His 80th birthday party is still talked about to this day, and his family was lucky to experience many trips to local casinos and Las Vegas with him over the years. Tony was full of life- hilarious, fiercely loyal to his friends and family, and beloved by everyone who knew him.
He is now in heaven, continuing the party with his parents, his brothers Manuel and Joe, and his eldest son Michael Anthony Machado. Tony left behind many family members who love and miss him: his remaining children, Jacqueline Machado, Christopher Machado, Anna Machado (Harris), Teresa Keenan, son-in-law Bob, and Anthony Vincent Machado; grandchildren: Jason, Alexandra, Ashley, Elizabeth, and Mitchell; two great-grandchildren: Cashton and Harper; his sisters Mary, Theresa, Annie, and Frances; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins, as well as more friends than anyone could count.
His family is grateful that their Papa T lived a joyful 87 years, and will continue his legacy of working hard and living life to the fullest. Tony was proud to be Portuguese, to be a farmer, to be a father, grandfather, great-grandfather, life of the party, and friend to all.
While his family mourns his death, they also celebrate his life and are currently planning a way to forever memorialize Tony Machado within the Chowchilla youth sports community. Those wishing to contribute can send a message to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Cheers to a life well-lived, and a man who will never be forgotten by those lucky enough to know him.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, December 21, 2020, 11:00 a.m. at St. Columba Catholic Church in Chowchilla, CA. Live Stream: https://vimeo.com/492547364/e5dc3204a4
Interment at Chowchilla District Cemetery
