Paul Calderon

Paul passed away at home with his family by his side on August 8th, 2023 Glendale, Az at the age of 81. Paul was born June 30th, 1942 in Phoenix AZ. Paul was married to his high school sweetheart, Antonia Calderon (Toni). They were together for over 64 years.

Paul was not only a husband, brother, Tío, Nino, friend, or a Tata. He was also a proud daddy and not just a father to his own children but to so many who loved him just like a dad.

He attended Glendale High School, where he participated in wrestling and football. His proudest moment in high school was making the varsity football team as a freshman and remained on varsity all 4 years of high school.

He loved bowling in leagues with his mother and sisters. Paul enjoyed playing on golf teams at work. Paul was a master of all trades. He never said no to lending a helping hand. Paul was humble and volunteered his time to help the hungry when he could.

Paul loved to go out to eat and enjoyed sweets, especially cherry pie and soft vanilla ice cream, but his favorite was his wife Toni’s cooking.

Paul loved music, especially singing his favorite song, Cherry Pie.

He was a member of The Knights of Columbus, a Eucharist Minister, and he was active as a Crusillo. Paul coached football, volunteered as Santa at Crisis Nurseries, helped those in need at local church events, and was a member of The Dad’s Club at St. Mary’s attending all the football games. Over the years, he chauffeured and chaparoned so many kids to games, dances, and concerts.

Paul worked as a mechanical engineer for over 30 years. After retirement, Paul went back to work part-time in several jobs. Paul cared for his mom until her passing.

Paul loved attending Mass, receiving communion from Ted (who he called friend) and said the Rosary daily. The love he spread was endless and will be felt forever.

“Stay young at heart mentally help those in need when you can.”

Paul Calderon

Preceded in death by Grandson; Michael Samuel Calderon, Mother; Gertrude Barraza, Father; Rudy Calderon, Sisters; Mary Gomez and Annie Badsberg; Brothers; Stephen, Ernesto, Rudy Jr, and Alphonso Calderon.

Paul is survived by his wife Antonia A. Aldama, sisters Patsi Navarro (Paul), Kathy (Sheri), Rick (Martha), Chuck, John (Minerva), Daniel (Kat), and Vincent (Frannie) Calderon. Paul referred to his sister & brother in laws as his own brothers and sisters. They are Sebastian Aldama Jr. (Stella), Virginia Gonzales, Linda Verdugo, Rosie Salinas and Larry Aldama (Karen), Lucy Aldama, Adrian Aldama, and Nena Aldama; Minnie Olivera, and Kina. Paul also had many nieces, nephews, and God children. Children Suzanne (Jose), Paul Jr. (Sabrina), Katherine & Jessica. Grandchildren Joseph, Emily, Salena, Paul III, Christina, Michael (deceased), Cat, Mat, Sal, Nick, Mia, Elijah & Anjelika. Great Grandchildren Josephus, Levi, Angelena, Abel, Aiden, Adrian, Paul IIII, Bri, Angelo, Ethan, Cole, Damon, Amar, Kai, Harlem, Julian, Jeremiah, Nicholas Jr., Kennedy and Anjelika.

Visitation and rosary will be from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Sunday, August 20, 2023 at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, August 21, 2023 at 10:00 AM at OLPH Catholic Church, 5614 W Orangewood Ave, Glendale.

Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, 9925 W. Thomas Rd Avondale.

A family gathering will take place at the American Legion Post 29, 6822 N 57th Ave Glendale, AZ 85301.