Andrew G. Calderon, Sr.

Age 90 of Coal City, Illinois, formerly of Chicago, ascended to eternal life Monday, April 3, 2023 at Lightways Hospice in Joliet.

Born November 30, 1932 in Spring Branch, Texas, Andrew Guzman Calderon was a son of Toribio and Dolores (Guzman) Calderon. He was raised and educated in Texas, and on July 19, 1952 he married Pauline Martinez. Andrew and his wife moved to the south side of Chicago before settling in Coal City where they would live and raise their family for over 50 years.

He worked at Hillmans' Foods in Chicago for over 30 years, but was a 'jack of all trades' and served as the maintenance technician for many years at Burt Estates in Diamond. Andrew was a member of Assumption of the BVM Catholic Church in Coal City, and was an avid fisherman who relished every opportunity to go out and try and get that next great catch. He also loved horse racing, card games, and 16 inch Softball, which he would play well in to his eighties. Andrew was a huge Green Bay Packers fan and enjoyed a friendly rivalry with his family that were fans of the Chicago Bears. He had a great appreciation for music and dancing, which he could still do even at his 90th birthday party.

Andrew was a much beloved man with a dynamite personality. He was a wonderful role model and father figure, not just to his own children and family, but to many people that needed that positive example in their life. Andrew was the most reliable man, always there when you needed him and he was always checking in with his family with regular phone calls. He leaves behind so many beloved family and dear friends, and will always be affectionately known as "Grandpa" and "Uncle" to all who knew him.

Survivors include five children: Maxine (Mike) Mannella of Brookfield, Illinois, Lillian Calderon (Jorge Guerrero) of North Riverside, Illinois, Andrew "Sonny" (Carol) Calderon, Jr. and Larry (Karen) Calderon, both of Coal City, and Roberta Calderon of Chicago; one daughter-in-law, Sandra Sanchez of Chicago; twenty-six grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; as well as his beloved extended family of countless in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Andrew was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife, Pauline; one son, Alan Calderon, and one great granddaughter, Delilah Lemke; and two brothers and one sister: Matias (Dionicia) Calderon, Mary Alicia "Licha" (Jose) Bautista, and Edward "Lalo" (Joyce) Calderon, Sr.

The family will receive friends for a visitation at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 North Broadway Street (one block north of Illinois Route 113), in Coal City on April 7, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. until the time of funeral service at 7:00 p.m.

Per Andrew's wishes, cremation rites will be accorded following the funeral service.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Andrew's memory to the charity of the donor's choosing.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book, upload photographs, and share Andrew's memorial page via social media.

Funeral services and cremation arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory (815) 634-2125.