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Who Was Tony York?
Tony York was born on August 3, 1983, in Youngstown, Ohio. He was the youngest of three children of Denise DeBartolo York and John York, who are the co-chairs of the 49ers. He was also the brother of Jed York, who is the CEO of the team. Tony York grew up in the Bay Area, and attended Sacred Heart Preparatory in Atherton. He graduated from Notre Dame University in 2006, with a degree in psychology and pre-med. He worked as an analyst at Guggenheim Partners, a global investment and advisory firm, and later founded Koda, a medical device company.
What Did Tony York Do for the 49ers?
Tony York was not directly involved in the 49ers’ operations, but he was a passionate supporter and fan of the team. He often attended games and practices, and was close to many players and coaches. He also contributed to the 49ers Foundation, which supports charitable causes in the community. He was especially interested in helping youth and preventing bullying. He helped launch the 49ers EDU program, which provides STEM education to students in the Bay Area. He also supported the 49ers Academy, which serves low-income students in East Palo Alto.
How Did Tony York Die?
Tony York died on December 7, 2018, in Sausalito, California. He was found dead in a hotel room by a staff member. The Marin County Sheriff’s Office said that an investigation into the cause, mode, manner, and circumstances of death was underway, but a team source said that it was believed that Tony York committed suicide. The York family released a statement saying that they were “deeply saddened” by the loss of their son and brother, and that they appreciated the “outpouring of love and support” from the 49ers and the community. They also asked for privacy during this difficult time.
How Did the 49ers Honor Tony York?
The 49ers honored Tony York’s memory in various ways. They held a moment of silence before their game against the Denver Broncos on December 9, 2018. They also wore black decals with the initials “TY” on their helmets for the rest of the season. Jed York addressed the team after their win over the Broncos, and said that his brother was a great kid who loved the 49ers and the players. He also quoted Bill Walsh, saying that “champions behave like champions before they’re champions”, and that he would leave a ring for his brother when the team won a championship. The 49ers also presented game balls to Tony York’s family members after their win over the New Orleans Saints on December 8, 2019, which clinched their first playoff berth since 2013. The players and coaches dedicated the season to Tony York, and said that he was always in their hearts and minds.
