Very Rev. Basil Caldaroni

With heavy yet rejoiceful hearts, we announce the passing of the beloved servant of God and Archpriest Bill Caldaroni, on the blessed day of Ascension, June 13, 2024. He peacefully departed this life surrounded by his devoted wife, Kh. Tilda, and their sons, Foster and Antony (Beth).

Fr. Bill’s journey began in the rolling hills of western Pennsylvania, but his spiritual odyssey took him far beyond those horizons. Raised in the embrace of Protestantism in Cleveland, Ohio, his path was forever altered when he encountered the luminous truths of the Holy Orthodox Church while a student at Oral Roberts University (ORU) in Tulsa Oklahoma. It was there, amidst the halls of his beloved ORU, that he found not only academic pursuit but also the love of his life, Kh. Tilda. Together, they embarked on a sacred journey, united in faith and purpose.

Fr. Bill’s scholarly pursuits led him to Tulsa, Oklahoma, and later to Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and Loyola University of Chicago, where he delved into the depths of historical biblical literary criticism and early church theology, earning master’s degrees in Divinity and Theology, respectively.

In 1987, Fr. Bill founded Holy Transfiguration Church in Warrenville, Illinois, from the humblest of beginnings. His unwavering dedication and infectious passion for the Orthodox faith touched the lives of all who crossed his path. From the plains of the midwest to the rugged landscapes of Post Falls, Idaho, and finally to the warm embrace of St. Ignatius in Mesa, Arizona, his ministry bore fruit in the hearts of countless souls.

Though he has now entered into eternal rest, Fr. Bill's legacy endures in the lives he transformed and the hearts he uplifted. His gentle wisdom, compassionate spirit and unwavering devotion to Christ will forever be remembered by those who were blessed to know him.

In addition to his beloved wife and sons, Fr. Bill leaves behind a legacy of exuberant joy that extends to his two grandchildren, Jack William and Allana Jane, and his sister Linda (Dale) McPherson.

Trisagion vespers will be held Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at 6pm at St. Ignatius of Antioch in Mesa Az. Divine Liturgy will be held Thursday, June 20, 2024 at 9am at St. Ignatius of Antioch in Mesa, AZ, with funeral and burial to follow. 

A meal of mercy will be provided following the burial. We welcome any who are able to join us as we gather in remembrance of a man who not only preached the Gospel but lived it in every moment. 

Though we mourn his passing, we rejoice in the knowledge that he now rests in the loving embrace of our Lord, God, and Savior, Jesus Christ.