Abelardo Arenas Calapan

Abelardo Arenas Calapan, born July 22, 1931, in Naic, Cavite, Philippines, passed away peacefully in his home, with his family nearby, on the morning of September 5, 2025. He was 94 years old.

Abelardo was a longtime resident of Galveston. He was a loving husband and father, as well as a devout Catholic, being a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Abelardo came from humble beginnings in the Philippines. As a young man he sought a brighter future and was accepted into the United States Navy, where he was transferred to the United States Coast Guard in the United States in 1961. He became a career Coast Guardsman, serving until 1975.

In the early 1960s he met his wife Thelma in Galveston, Texas and started a family. After retirement, Abelardo became a renowned commercial fisherman/shrimper. Abelardo was a lifetime member of the Galveston Lions Club West End Chapter, improving others' lives by volunteering his time and efforts on many projects. He also volunteered and contributed with his wife to the Lions Club Community Prevent Blindness Program, as well as contributing to and serving meals for those in need at the Ronald McDonald House in Galveston.

Abelardo was an amazing chef. One of his passions was cooking and baking for friends and family. He also loved fishing and working with his hands. He was a humble, soft-spoken, loving, and generous father and was well loved by his family and those who knew him.

Abelardo is survived by his sons, Alex and Tony, their wives Sandy and Jean, and Alex' sons Nicholas and Jonathan. Preceding him in death are his wife Thelma; parents, Aquilino Calapan and Purificacion Arenas Calapan, his brother Angel Calapan, and sister Melba (Mel) Calapan.

Visitation will be held at Carnes Brothers Funeral Home, 1201 Tremont Street, Galveston, Texas from 5-7pm Thursday, September 11, 2025, with a rosary to be recited at 6:30pm. The funeral Mass will be held 10:00 am Friday, September 12, 2025, at Sacred Heart Church, 1302 Broadway Street, Galveston, Texas. Following the service, internment with Military Honors will be held at Calvary Cemetery, 2506 65th Street, Galveston, Texas.

Pallbearers are John Buado, Adrian Lopez, Lee Alviza, Nick Calapan, Jonathan Calapan, Bernard Dondonay, Brigido Dondonay, and Bingal Dondonay.

A special thank you for the caring staff of DaVita Dialysis Center in Galveston for all the years you cared for our father, and to the Right At Home staff and caretakers for their love and dedication. The Calapan family would also like to offer their heartfelt gratitude to all the friends, family, and acquaintances for reaching out with their prayers, love, support, and uplifting sentiments during this difficult time

"You courage and strength is a light that guides us all, proud beyond all words, we love you Dad"