Tony Curtis; Retired Bar Manager

Tony Curtis, who mixed drinks and managed the bar at Casa Roma restaurant in Lancaster for more than a dozen years, has died at his Lancaster residence. He was 74.

Curtis died Thursday of cancer, said his son, Jack Curtis.

Born June 17, 1916, in Hawaii, Curtis came to California as a child and served in the Army during World War II.

He later worked as a bartender at a Bakersfield hotel before starting at Casa Roma in 1967.

Curtis had a personal greeting for every customer of the restaurant, which attracts patrons ranging from attorneys to sheepherders, restaurant owner Eddie Cifarelli said. Curtis often joked with the clientele and was named “King Courtesy” in 1971 by the Lancaster Rotary Club.

After his retirement in the early 1980s, Curtis spent his time fishing and traveling. He was a member of the American Legion Post 311 in Lancaster, Disabled American Veterans and the Fin and Feather Club.

He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Erla Curtis; son Jack Curtis of Charlotte, N.C.; stepson Wayne Landers of Lancaster; stepdaughter Linda Bliss of Victorville; brother Ben Curtis of San Leandro, Calif.; four grandchildren; three step-grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A funeral in Lancaster is scheduled for 11 a.m. today at Murphy Mortuary, 154 E. Avenue I. Burial will follow at Joshua Memorial Park in Lancaster. Donations can be sent in Curtis’ name to the American Cancer Society.