Does the title sound ominous the term Godfather being used many times to refer to underground kingpins of crime? Don't be scared. The term Godfather of the Pier is used to refer to the late Tony Trutanich to whom the popularity of the Redondo Beach Pier is credited. Tony Trutanich lived from 1922 to 2007 in that span of time, he is believed to have contributed much to 55 years of the history of the pier.