Melvin Herbert Calderon

DUE TO CORONA VIRUS RESTRICTIONS, THE FAMILY WILL HAVE A PRIVATE FUNERAL SERVICE. THERE WILL BE "PARKING LOT GREETINGS" AT TEMPLE EMANU-EL PARKING LOT ON FRIDAY, MAY 8TH AT 12:30 PM. PLEASE REMEMBER TO WEAR A MASK, KEEP YOUR VEHICLES AT LEAST ONE CAR LENGTH APART. SHIVA TO BE HELD SATURDAY EVENING VIA ZOOM, PLEASE CONTACT THE FAMILY DIRECTLY FOR INFORMATION. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO LEAVE AN ONLINE CONDOLENCE FOR THE FAMILY TO SHOW YOUR LOVE AND SUPPORT DURING THIS TIME. Melvin Herbert Calderon, or "Mel," passed away peacefully May 6, 2020, after a brief illness and with his signature Starbucks coffee nearby. Mel was born on October 8, 1928 to Jack David and Helen (Saffron) Calderon. He was one of two children who grew up in a Jewish neighborhood of Brooklyn, a fact about which he was very proud his entire life. He graduated from James Madison High School in 1946, and attended the University of Missouri for two years, ultimately graduating from Long Island University with a Bachelor's of Science in Retail Distribution. He was then drafted into the United States Army, and proudly served our country as a corporal in the Korean War. He was the husband and partner of Sharon Rosalind Calderon for 61 years, father to Jaclyn Freedman (Steven Freedman) and Adam Calderon (Autumn Beal), and grandfather to Jordan Malka (Katie Filous Malka), Gabrielle Malka, Haylee Malka, Mason Freedman, Yale Freedman, and Julian Calderon. Always making friends through his career as a hardworking salesman in ladies' fashion and through his daily mall power walks, "Papa," as he was known to his grandchildren, was inclusive of everyone he met, always inviting them warmly into his home. He also claimed to have the award for starting the trend of the Birkenstock as a hip sandal in America. Papa had a firecracker personality and strong opinions, often using his sharp wit to argue with those around him, and winning the arguments. He loved his children, grandchildren, and animals immensely, and was always determined to learn something new, whether it be Spanish, mahjong, or taking "classes" at the Apple store Genius Bar. He also enjoyed avidly watching the news. He will be missed greatly by his family and friends, and by all those who knew him. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Mel to Vogel Alcove, a local organization that helps homeless families and children. P.O. Box 150948 Dallas, TX 75315 vogelalcove.org

Melvin Herbert Calderon

October 8, 1928 - May 6, 2020