Baldassare Calvaruso

Baldassare, of Commerce Township, passed into eternal life late Sunday evening, November 23, 2025. He was 86 years old. Born on October 5, 1939, in Alcamo, Trapani, Sicily, Baldassare was the cherished son of the late Salvatore and Vita (La Russa) Calvaruso. His early years in Sicily shaped him into a hardworking, faithful, and family-centered man-qualities that remained with him for all of his days.

Baldassare married the love of his life, Renata "Renee" (Vendrame), on January 23, 1965, at the beautiful Gesu Catholic Church in Detroit. Together they shared a lifetime of devotion, partnership, and family-a union grounded in love, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment.

Before coming to the United States, Baldassare proudly served in the Air Force of the Italian Army. After immigrating, he worked diligently at Kasle Steel in Dearborn as a machine operator, beginning in 1965 and continuing until his retirement in 1996. He was proud of his work, proud of providing for his family, and deeply proud of the life he built in his adopted country.

Though he treasured his Italian heritage, one of the very proudest days of Baldassare's life came on January 7, 2002, when he became a citizen of the United States. He studied English tirelessly, determined to earn that certificate-not for recognition, but as a personal achievement that meant everything to him. He spoke of that day often, with a smile and a hand over his heart.

Family was his passion, and his greatest joy. He cherished time spent at the homes of his children, Loreen and Mark, and delighted in visiting relatives across the river in Windsor. Becoming a grandfather-and later a great-grandfather-filled him with immeasurable pride. He shared a profound and tender bond with his granddaughter, Meraya, whom he helped raise. Her wedding was one of the most meaningful celebrations of his life. And on August 30, 2024, when his great-granddaughter, Daphne, was born, Baldassare's heart grew even fuller; it was another mountaintop moment he never stopped talking about.

Baldassare was known for his kindness, gentleness, and unfailing warmth. His children affectionately called him a "softy"-a gentle soul who never had a mean bone in his body. He always had a big, welcoming smile and carried himself with dignity. He loved dressing up, took pride in his appearance, and-famously-never owned a pair of jeans. Dress pants were his everyday uniform. He also enjoyed life's simple pleasures-especially his scratch-off lottery tickets, which he played with enthusiasm and optimism.

Above all, Baldassare loved deeply and was deeply loved in return. He lived a life marked by gratitude, humility, and quiet strength. His legacy shines brightly in the family he adored and who will forever cherish his memory.

Surviving are his beloved and devoted wife of 60 years, Renata "Renee"; loving children, Loreen (Bryce Berger) Chamberlain and Mark (Laura) Calvaruso; cherished grandchildren, Erick (fiancée Taylor) Chamberlain, Meraya (Zachariah) Devon, and Nicole and Alec Calvaruso; beautiful great-granddaughter, Daphne Devon; his brother-in-law, Claudio (Rosalia) Vendrame; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by siblings, Sebastiano Calvaruso, Oliva (the late Giuseppe) Grillo, Giacomo (Francesca) Calvaruso, Francesco (the late Bina) Calvaruso, and Giuseppe (the late Teresa) Calvaruso.

Family and friends may gather at the Heeney-Sundquist Funeral Home, downtown Farmington, on Friday, November 28, from 2-8 pm. The rosary will be prayed at 7 pm followed by eulogies and remembrances.

Baldassare's funeral mass will be celebrated Saturday morning, November 29th at 10:00 am (in state at 9:30 am), at St. William Catholic Church, 531 Common Street, Walled Lake.

A procession to Glen Eden Memorial Park, Livonia, will immediately follow the mass.

May Baldassare rest in God's eternal peace, reunited with those who went before him, and forever remembered with love.