Obituary of Curtis Joseph Calderone

Curtis Joseph Calderone, 53, of Waukegan, IL, passed away suddenly on December 7, 2024. Born on September 17, 1971, in Peru, Indiana, Curtis was the beloved son of the late Karen Altman and the late Joseph Calderone.

Curtis is survived by his loving family: his older sister Roberta Straus (Stuart) and his younger brothers Chuck Calderone and Aldo Martinez. He was the cherished uncle to Lindsay Padilla (James), Matt Straus (Sophia), Victoria Calderone, Meghan Calderone, and Greg Calderone, who all adored their "Uncle Curty.” Recently, he proudly became a great-uncle to Jaxon Padilla, a role he was eager to take on with all his usual warmth and affection. Curtis was also deeply loved by Jose and Maria Martinez, his honorary parents who were, without a doubt, his family in every way.

Curtis was a man of boundless spirit and a heart as big as the skies he dreamed under. His love for the auto industry was deep-rooted, a passion he shared with his late father while building race cars—a tradition he carried on by working on cars with his brothers and friends. His incredible ingenuity wasn’t limited to cars; he could take on anything, from remodeling homes to creating something entirely new, always finding ways to make things work better, look better, or just be better. Curtis had a real gift for bringing ideas to life, and he brought that same energy to the people around him. He left everything and everyone a little better than he found them, all with a kind of quiet strength and wit that defined who he was.

Animals held a special place in Curt’s heart, especially his “boys” - beloved Rottweilers, Narco and Zardo, who passed last year and who have surely welcomed him with full-body wags and unbridled love. His newest companion, Zeus, now carries on Curt’s legacy of loyalty and affection, missing him dearly and watching over Aldo.

Above all, Curtis will be remembered for his generosity and selflessness. He had an extraordinary ability to lift others up, often placing their needs before his own. He touched countless lives, always ready with a helping hand, a kind word, or a well-timed bit of humor that could lift spirits in an instant.

Curtis lived life unapologetically on his own terms, embracing every moment with authenticity and a lot of stubborn determination. While his absence leaves an irreplaceable void, his love and the memories he created will be a lasting reminder of the impact he made on us all.

Walk free and at peace, Curty. You’ll forever be in our hearts. 

A gathering to celebrate Curtis’s life will be held on January 18, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM at McMurrough Funeral Chapel, 101 Park Pl, Libertyville, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Curtis’s memory to WAGS (Waukegan Animals Getting Saved) or The Humane Society, causes close to his heart.