Hilarion Calderon

Our Dad/Grandpa/Great-Grandpa and Great-Great Grandpa
"Yaito"

Hilarion Calderon, nick named "Yaito," was born on March 29, 1929 in Fajardo, Puerto Rico to his parents Hilarion Calderon, Sr. and Maria Soto. To this union he had three brothers, Enesto, Ismael, Gilberto and one sister, Maria Angelica. All have preceded him in death.

At the age of two, Yaito went to live with his Aunt Ines Calderon Rosa and Uncle Carmelo Tiburcio. They became and were his beloved loving parents who raised him into adulthood. From this union, Yaito gained two additional brothers, Jose Manual and our beloved uncle, Ismalito. He grew up in this household of love completing his high school education. Yaito met, began dating, and fell in love with Elsida Rivera.

At the age of 21, on November 14, 1950 Yaito joined the United States Army at Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico. While serving as Sergeant First Class in the Korean War, Hilarion Calderon received a Combat Infantry Badge and Korean Service Medal with One Bronze Star. On September 26, 1952 he was transferred to the Army Reserve. Sergeant First Class Hilarion Calderon was Honorably Discharged from the United States Army on August 16, 1956.

On August 29, 1953, Yaito and Elsida were married and to this union raised five children; son Hector (Frances), daughters Yolanda (Greg), and Wanda (Glenda). He is preceded in death by his daughter, Doris Torres and Elsida Oquendo. With the children's blended families, they were blessed with countless grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and recently blessed with a great-great granddaughter.

Dad's military training helped him develop a character of strength, self-confidence, honesty, and direct even when the truth was not pleasant. He strongly believed in what he believed in and had a lot of wisdom. Dad will be remembered for his jingling of his coins in his pocket and clearing of his throat whenever he wanted our attention. It was something to watch him walk with this "pep in his step" that he had.

Dad lived a long life, transitioning on March 6, 2021 at the age of 91. He leaves behind his family, as noted above, and a host of nieces and nephews who adores him. We love you and you will forever live in our hearts.