Anthony “Tony” C. Diepenbrock, a prominent Sacramento attorney and loyal member of SCU’s Class of ’61, died May 2, 2021, of a heart attack. A lifelong Sacramentan, Tony attended Bellarmine College Preparatory and McClatchy High Schools, then followed family tradition by enrolling in Santa Clara. His father, Victor Leo Diepenbrock ’28, and many cousins attended SCU, as well as his daughter, Mary “Meg” Harrigan ’01.
After college, Tony decided on a career in law and graduated from the University of California Hastings School of Law. Soon after, he began work as a prosecutor in the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office, where he handled major crimes and honed his craft as a trial lawyer. He moved into private practice in 1970, becoming a partner in the firm that eventually became Greve, Clifford, Diepenbrock & Paras. After 20 years there, Tony started his own firm and founded Diepenbrock & Cotter LLP in 1999.
Defending a wide variety of civil lawsuits, he handled employment and labor matters, but his practice focused heavily on the transportation industry, including trucking companies and railroads.
Officially retiring in 2007, he maintained his license to practice law, went to the office daily, continued to handle legal matters, and helped out many who sought his expertise. He was a member of American Board of Trial Advocates and Association of Defense Council of California.
Tony and his wife, Helen, were married in June 1972. They enjoyed many friendship, trips, and spirited gatherings with members of the Class of ’61 throughout the years, including annual golf and fishing trips with Bronco classmates. Tony was an outdoor enthusiast and enjoyed memberships in the H Pond Duck Club in the Yolo Bypass and Del Paso Country Club.
His greatest satisfaction, however, came from his home, where Tony showered love and wise counsel on his wife of almost 49 years, Helen, and their three daughters, Laura (Murphy), Meg (Horrigan) and Claire (Seton). A top priority for Tony was planning annual family vacations from coast-to-coast so the children could experience our nation’s history and appreciate its natural treasures. As the girls got older, itineraries included travel abroad, but his favorite place to be was home. Nothing made him happier than barbecuing a steak on a warm summer night with a Sierra Nevada in hand, especially when regaling his grandkids with his ready humor and spirit of fun.
In addition to his wife, Tony is survived by his daughters and their spouses: Laura and Jim Murphy of Palos Verdes Estates, Meg and Mike Horrigan; Claire and Alex Seton ’92 ; and grandchildren, Helen Murphy, and Will and Clara Horrigan.