Everyone’s intelligent, loving, artistic friend
Tony Maza, the intelligent and meticulous crystal-wrapping craftsman, was funny and kind beyond measure. With hugs and laughs to spare, he befriended people everywhere he went. Never a fan of “small talk,” he became an endless seeker and fountain of facts which he then bestowed upon anyone within earshot. Music was another passion, especially rock tunes, and he always donned headphones to keep it close by. Potent, powerful depth in lyrics and learning spoke to Tony’s passion for life and knowledge.
Tony’s family in Florida, though small, aided him early on. He worked for his father’s company, enjoying being close to him and sharing in the labor. Though he was loved, as time and his substance use went on, his parents, sister, and brother grew distant, and his former partner, Tristin, became his primary source of comfort and stability in their wake. They helped him during his years in Utah, giving him much needed company and support on trips to see Christmas lights, while sourcing supplies to make necklaces for everyone, and on the couch bingeing Netflix while wrist-deep in takeout food. Though they delighted in teasing Tony over his germophobia, Tristan speaks of Tony lovingly. “He was the smartest human I have ever known. [I miss] his brilliant conversations that would both expand and warp my mind at the same time.”
Substance use isolated Tony’s brilliant mind, forcing him into homelessness several times. Depression eked its way into his soul, and anxiety plagued him. Tony, seeking recovery, went to a first step house and celebrated a year of sobriety with an apartment of his own. Creative and excited at his newfound purpose, he decorated it and was proud of his achievements. Missing his family terribly, Tony dreamed of moving back to Florida and returning to work for his father. After almost a decade, he returned to his home state in March 2024. While there, he succumbed to substance use, never having the chance to realize his vision. Tristin conveys that, though tragic, Tony’s homecoming meant everything to him.
Tristin shares her former partner’s story to further influence others to destigmatize the silent threat that snuffs out brilliant lives like Tony’s. In their words, “I believe in recovering loudly so others don’t die silently.”
The loving, deep thinker with artistic hands and the best laugh in the world lives on in memory and in the hearts of his family and Tristin, as do the crystals he so lovingly wrapped during his life.
Tony’s former partner, Tristin Arellano, provided the information for this narrative.
December 21, 1987-March 23, 2024-Age 36
Portrait Artist: Clayton Conner
Narrative Writer: Jill Denton
