With deep sorrow, the family of Tony Kinninger, announces his passing due to cancer on August 21, 2025, at home in Newport Beach, California, surrounded by his loving family.

Tony was born in Los Angeles, California on January 23, 1939. His parents were Cletus Xavier Kinninger and Sarah Elizabeth Whitelock. Tony attended John Burroughs Junior High School, Los Angeles High School, graduating from St. John Vianney Catholic High School in 1958, aka Daniel Murphy High School.

Tony continued his education and graduated from Utah State University in 1964, with a bachelor’s degree in history, and continued  throughout his life to study history as a hobby and a passion. In March of 2011, Tony was honored with the Distinguished Alumnus Award for his significant impact on his community through both professional impacts and civic engagement.

His college years were briefly interrupted by service in the U.S. Army, where he was stationed in Alaska as an Army surveyor. Tony has continued to pursue his passionate interest in history in many facets over the years. He has collected antique maps, principally of Mexico, in particular Baja, and the Western United States dating from the late 1600s, 1700s and 1800s.

Tony began his business career at McDonnell Douglas. In the early 70’s, Tony joined Riviera Finance in Redondo Beach, where he was an administrator and minority partner. In 1979, he founded Orange Commercial Credit in Anaheim, California. Tony continued to serve as president and CEO of Orange Commercial Credit until his passing. He founded Ansonia Credit Data in 2007 and successfully led its team to develop innovative trade credit reports for the factoring industry until it was acquired in 2020.

Tony was married to Janice Lee Hamby from 1968 to 1990 and they had two children, Charles and Andrea. They resided in Redondo Beach and Rancho Palos Verdes.

In 1993, Tony married his high school sweetheart, Linda Andrea Merrifield, living in La Canada Flintridge for the first seven years, then moving to their home in Newport Beach, California. Tony and Linda have been active in the Lido Isle Yacht Club in Newport Beach, California, and for many years enjoyed scuba diving in the Sea of Cortez and other remote places around the world.

Throughout his career, Tony supported charitable organizations, serving on the board of governors for the International Community Foundation, headquartered in San Diego, a foundation whose mission is to increase charitable giving and volunteerism across U.S. borders to benefit overseas communities and nonprofit organizations.

Tony and his wife, Linda, together have served several organizations dedicated to children’s health and education, including the Catholic Education Foundation, and several environmental organizations. Tony served on the Urban Development Commission of Loreto.

Tony first arrived in Loreto more than 50 years ago, His love for Loreto and its people inspired him to take meaningful actions in conservation and environmental care. His altruism extended beyond environmental causes; his philanthropic spirit drove him to support children, young students, and new entrepreneurs. Tony co-founded a conservation non-profit organization, Eco-Alianza de Loreto, A.C., in 2007, in Loreto, Baja California Sur.

Tony’s dedication and kindness has left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him. His commitment to caring for both the environment and the community was evident in every project he undertook and in every person he helped. Through his unwavering support and generosity, Tony not only inspired positive change but also created a legacy of hope and compassion that will continue to influence future generations in Loreto and beyond.

Tony is survived by his wife, Linda, Charles Kinninger, son, Paola Valencia Kinninger, daughter-in law, Andrea Elizabeth Rogers, daughter, Matthew Rogers, son-in-law, Lewis Merrifield IV, step-son, Emma Merrifield, daughter-in-law, Kathryn Merrifield-Boccardi, step-daughter, and 10 grandchildren, Megan Rogers, Cole Rogers, Anthony Kinninger, Joseph Kinninger, Lewis Merrifield V, Ryan Merrifield, Jack Merrifield, Luke Boccardi, Venna Rose Boccardi and Leonardo Boccardi.

Tony had a full and amazing life as a visionary and adventurer. He had many hobbies and interests. He was an instrument rated pilot for 35 years and boat captain for 20 years. Tony will be remembered for his special love for the Loreto Community as a truly generous and compassionate man, a mentor, who touched the lives of many. His altruism will forever remain in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to Eco-Alianza de Loreto, A.C. Donations may be sent to www.ecoalianzaloreto.org/donate.