Don Callejon

Don Callejon
June 14, 1930 - February 27, 2021
Santa Clara
Don Callejon was born to a Spanish immigrant and a first generation Californian in 1930 in San Jose. Jimmy and Mary Callejon brought their firstborn home to a ranch in Berryessa. The family, including younger sister June, raised cauliflower, cherries, walnuts and rabbits. Don attended Alum Rock Elementary, Bellarmine College Prep and Santa Clara University before earning his teaching credential at SJSU. Neither of his parents finished high school.
As a young man Don spent many arduous seasons in the fields, sometimes trudging behind a plow. This forged his legendary work ethic.
Don met Clare Silvera of Milpitas in late spring of 1951 at a dance at St. John's Catholic Church. They married on the same spot in December of that year. Their union was enduring and, while Clare preceded Don in death almost exactly one year ago, all who knew them knew it was a match made - and now lived out - in heaven.
Don taught in the classroom, was vice-principal, principal, superintendent and board member in the Santa Clara Unified School district during a career that spanned 40+ years. He is remembered as a leader who advocated for students and teachers alike, and his contributions were honored in 2006 when Don Callejon School, the first new school in 40 years in Santa Clara, opened in the Rivermark area.
Beyond his career, Don was a sought-after leader and mentor. He manned the Cherry Bells booth at the St. Clare's Dad's BBQ and the Santa Clara Schools Foundation Wine Tent for decades. He served on the Boards of St. Francis High School, The Bill Wilson Center, and the Bronco Bench Foundation. When the 49ers wanted to make their home in Santa Clara, they asked Don to co-chair the effort with his long-time buddy Larry Marsalli.
Don taught his children Rick, Chuck, and Donna, to fish on yearly vacations in the Gold Country, and how to drive a forklift at the family ranch. In the 1960s when his sons were excelling in sports, Don drove All-Star little league teams to Southern California, Utah and beyond. He attended almost every one of his three kids' games, and did his best to keep the referees and umpires on their toes.
Don and Clare were true Santa Clarans and committed themselves to the community. He maintained one of the most meticulous yards in town, replete with roses, orchids, prolific apple and orange trees and perfect dichondra grass. Countless aspiring city council and school board members sought their endorsement as an indicator of bona fides. And Don was a treasure trove of Santa Clara history, which he reveled in recounting.
Don's memory will be held by his many friends and former colleagues, family, and most especially his children and their families: Rick (Carol), Chuck (Laura), Donna (Debbie) grand- and step-grandkids Drew (Andrea), Davis (Natalie), Carly (Dave), and Mark (Megan) and recent additions to the family, Avery Callejon and Harris Rodriguez.
The family is grateful for the support of the team at Carlton Senior Living and for the Callejons' guardian angel, Jean Christen. They request that donations in Don's honor be made to the Santa Clara Schools Foundation (www.santaclaraschoolsfoundation.org). A memorial for Don and Clare will be held this summer at Don Callejon School.


View the online memorial for Don Callejon