Cal Waldron

John Calvin Waldron - obituary
We come together today to commemorate the well-lived life of John Calvin Waldron, affectionately known as Cal, who passed away peacefully on October 14, 2024, in Stuart, Florida. Born on April 17, 1933, in Princeton, Florida, Cal's journey through life was marked by dedication, intellect, and a heart full of love.
Self-assured and driven, Cal graduated from Homestead High School in 1951 before advancing his education at the University of Florida, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Banking and Finance in 1955. He further distinguished himself as a graduate of The Stonier Graduate School of Banking at Rutgers - The State University in New Jersey in 1968. His college years were also marked by his involvement in the Alpha Kappa Psi Fraternity, The Billy Mitchell Drill Team, the Air Force ROTC, and the Real Estate Club, signaling a pattern of commitment and leadership that would endure throughout his life.
Cal's service to his country was notable. He joined the U.S. Naval Reserves and was rapidly commissioned from the U.S. Naval Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island. He served with distinction as a Supply Corps Officer aboard the USS Hornet and the USS Picket before concluding his active-duty service in November 1958 with the rank of Lieutenant, leaving behind a legacy of honor and dedication.
Following his military tenure, Cal entered the banking world, embarking on a distinguished career that began at the First National Bank of Miami, culminating as Executive Vice President at Mellon United National Bank, from which he retired in 2001. His remarkable career was not just about numbers and finance; it was about the relationships he built and the communities he strengthened along the way.
Cal and his wife, Sylvia, moved from Miami to Chapin, South Carolina, in 2001 where they spent 22 happy and relaxing years on Lake Murray. They returned to Florida and resided in Port St. Lucie in 2023 to be closer to family.
Cal's ceaseless spirit extended into his spiritual life, where he served as an ordained deacon and Finance Chairman, pouring his faith and leadership into the Baptist churches he attended. These roles exemplified his unwavering faith and his commitment to stewardship.
He leaves behind a devoted family: his loving wife of 63 years, Sylvia Benitoa Waldron, his daughters Jennifer Waldron Rossignol and Jeannine Waldron O'Dell, and his cherished grandchildren Ashley Lynn Hughes, Daniel Robert O'Dell, and Calvin Ross O'Dell. Cal was predeceased by his father, Calvin Frazier Waldron, and his mother, Livie Barnes Waldron, who no doubt greeted him with open arms.
Passionate about his alma mater, Cal was an avid Florida Gator, and his enthusiasm for the Miami Dolphins never waned. In retirement, he found joy on the greens as a member of the Newberry Country Club in South Carolina, where golfing was not just a pastime but a source of pleasure and camaraderie.
In every aspect of his life, Cal could best be described as loving, intelligent, and faith-filled. He approached all his endeavors with passion and determination, leaving a lasting impact on those lucky enough to cross his path. His legacy is not just in the work he accomplished but in the love he shared and the values he imparted.
As we reflect on Cal's remarkable journey, we remember a life that embodied the very essence of passion, commitment, and love. His story is one of success, not only in his professional and military careers but in the profound and positive influence he had on the lives of his family and friends. John Calvin Waldron lived fully, loved deeply, and his spirit will continue to inspire all who knew him. He will be dearly missed, but his legacy will endure in the hearts and memories of those blessed to have known him.
In lieu of flowers, please make a charitable donation in Cal's honor to the below charities:
Bright Focus Foundation for Alzheimers Disease Research (22512 Gateway Center Drive; Clarksburg, MD 20871)
www.brightfocus.org
American Diabetes Association (P.O. Box 7023; Merrifield, VA 22116-7023)
www.diabetes.org