Don Callejon

March 12, 2021

Dear Members of the Callejon Family:

Last night I watched the tribute to Don and Clare at the Santa Clara Board meeting, but I was unable to log into the input component. There are many fond memories I have of Don and Clare, and I offer heartfelt sympathies to your family. I have included some of the comments I wished to make at the virtual meeting.


Don, Clare and I had common experiences and bonds before we had even met.

Don and I had a mutual friend. Don and Lu Jenkins were close friends at Santa Clara University and both became respected educators in Santa Clara County. Lu and I worked closely in the Union School District for twenty-five years before I became part of The Santa Clara Unified family.

Don contacted Lu to check me out when I applied for a principalship in Santa Clara, and Lu filled me in about Don before my transfer. Don and I were fully acquainted before we met.

While Don was a member of the School Board, he religiously read the principals’ newsletters for every school, and it was not uncommon for him to call and comment on what he read. He kept us on our toes.

One of the things I’ll remember about Don is whenever you ran into him, whether in an education related setting, a social function or in any random encounter, Don always followed the greeting by saying something complimentary. He made you feel worthwhile.

While Don was relatively short in stature, he was a commanding presence in any crowd. He dominated the room by his intelligence, insights, wisdom, humor and gift of gab. He was a giant.

Clare and I also had many personal conversations and discovered that I had seen her brother, Charlie Silvera, play baseball as a New York Yankee when I grew up during the 1950’s in New York City. Charlie was the backup to Yankee catching icon, Yogi Berra, and, as such, didn’t get much playing time even though he had excellent offensive numbers. I did see Charlie play a few times, and his playing and subsequent career were a constant conversation between Clare and me.

I always looked forward to meeting with Don and Clare. Their lives touched us all.

Sincerely,

Steve Stavis
SCUSD Administrator 1991-2011

Such a wonderful man who taught his children well. I am so sorry for your loss and know Don and Clare will live on in so many hearts.

Donna,
I remember many years at St Clare's and your dad at the Cherry Bells booth! Your parent's were both great people-- I saw your mom 5 or 6 yrs ago at Kaiser when I was there with my mom-- she still remembered me. Glad they are reunited (and sorry for your loss)
God Bless your family-