Gerald Lee "Tony" Dimmitt

Gerald Lee “Tony” Dimmitt, 85, of Bastrop, Texas, passed away on September 19, 2023 after a long battle with a variety of illnesses. Tony was born on February 22, 1938 to Albert and Catherine Dimmitt in Cheyenne, Wyoming. After high school graduation, he joined the Army and was a paratrooper, sharpshooter and performer with the USO. In 1960 he studied ballet in Denver while working in a tannery. Three months after meeting his father’s secretary, JoAnn, Tony eloped with her. They moved to Laramie where Tony earned a degree in Accounting at the University of Wyoming. Tony’s work as a Cost Engineer for international industrial construction firms took him and his family all over the United States. They also spent memorable years in Port-Cartier, Quebec, Canada (Tony’s favorite location) and Monterrey, NL, Mexico (where he spoke Spanish fairly well, although always in the present tense). Tony’s career was dedicated to accuracy, honesty and thoroughness. By example, he taught his children the value of excellence and a strong work ethic. After the death of his beloved JoAnn, Tony moved from Pittsburgh, PA to Austin, Texas to be closer to family and to dedicate himself to being a live-in grandfather to his daughter Laura’s daughter Ava. During his final years, Tony was known as Santa Claus for Baty and Smith Elementary Schools’ Pre-K through 2nd grade classes and at New Haven Assisted Living of Bastrop. The red clothes were bought but the snow-white hair and beard were his own. At New Haven, where Tony spent his last five years, he was the famously caring helper. He delivered mail, made repairs for fellow residents and generously shared his treats with all. Tony never knew a stranger and his turns of phrase, smart-aleck remarks and good humor charmed people wherever he went, including the many medical professionals he worked with. He loved doing puzzles, playing rummy and getting back scratches and hugs. Tony was predeceased by his parents, brother Robert, sister-in-law Sheila, wife JoAnn and great grandson, Miles Austin. He is survived by his children Todd (Lisa), Michael (Jan), Elizabeth “Casey” (Mark) and Laura, and by his grandchildren, Brandon (Brittany), Amanda, Max, Alex and Ava and brand-new great-grandson Cassian, whom Tony was able to meet and hold. A service for Tony will be held at Ascension Catholic Church at 804 Pine St, Bastrop, TX 78602 on Thursday, September 28, at 5:00 PM. His family will later honor his and JoAnn’s ashes in a private ceremony. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tony’s name to the Salvation Army of Austin.