Antiono Franko Cerros

Antiono Franko Cerros was born in Gary, Indiana on June 16, 1979. Today we all know him by Tony. Tony was a strong-minded man that would never settle for No. Once Tony made his mind up; he would make it happen. It May not happen over night always, but eventually we got there! Tony had a brilliant mind which led him to excel academically as well as later in life. Tony achieved his GED at the age of 15. Tony’s tenacity led him to his career as a Millwright Journeyman with an Associates Degree in Applied Sciences. Tony was a part of the Local 1005 of the Central Midwest Carpenter’s Union. Tony can be remembered as a hard worker in any job he approached. Tony often kept everyone’s lights on by working on the Turbines for NIPSCO which was often grimy and extremely difficult. 

Tony can’t be summed up in a few sentences—he was not average or normal. Tony’s brain was so complex it allowed him to master many jobs. Tony was blessed to work on cars, remodel houses down to the studs, doing body work and painting all types of vehicles. Tony loved bringing the crushed, broken, and lost causes back to life again. This goes for material objects as well as other humans. Tony was not afraid to get his hands dirty and make it happen. 

Tony came up from Day 1 living a trauma filled life. He always kept the faith of a mustard seed. No matter what he went through, Tony made sure he offered and gave his last to help all those in need. Even if most chose to bite the hand that fed them! Tony was a protector, often misunderstood because of his sharp tongue and Tough-Dad like love. Tony cared so much with that huge heart God gave him, which he tried to hide. Tony said he couldn’t standby and sugar coat anything for those he loved. He often struggled with that in his conversations with God. It was a blessing and a curse. 

Tony was broken as most of us are, but it takes a special broken man sent from God to stretch himself—killing himself to make sure the broken felt love. Tony let us all stand on his shoulders to keep us breathing a float to make it to the next day. Tony suffered far too long in silence. 

Tony entered into Saralin Fuentes’ life and they became a family at first glance. They loved hard and made a handsome son, Antiono Asanti Cerros. Tony was a proud, loving, kind, and hands on father from the time Lil Tony was born. Tony made so many sacrifices and uneasy decisions most won’t understand to ensure his son never faced the types of trauma he suffered through growing up. 

Tony and Saralin loved each other for over 23 years, though not always present. Tony’s love for his son and family was never absent. He suffered in those in between moments never giving up hope or love for his family. Tony said Saralin was his soulmate and she believes he was hers. Though they never made it to the altar, they lived happily for a time as common law married in Houston, Texas and respectfully married each other’s souls. 

In Tony’s last years on this earth, he was not able to continue in his union trades career due to certain health conditions. Therefore, Tony relied on his  many talents and skills to survive. Tony was far from lazy. Tony just didn’t follow the crowds. He worked smarter and forged his own path where others couldn’t envision. 

Antiono F. Cerros left this broken world on April 22, 2026. Tony’s shoulders just got too heavy from carrying the weight of this cruel world. 

Tony is survived by his only child, Antiono A. Cerros, the love of his life, Saralin V. Fuentes, loving parents, Elena and Serafin Fuentes, sister, Erika Mejia, and loving family, friends, and nieces, nephews, and a best friend, Antonio Gomez. 

May Tony be remembered for the good he did in this world and the impact he left in each life that he touched. 

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