Dustin Patrick Calvillo

Dustin P. Calvillo, Ph.D., passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on August 8, 2025. He was a beloved husband, father, son, brother, colleague, mentor, professor, and friend.

Known for his quick wit, generosity, kindness, and deep appreciation for life, Dustin exemplified how to live with both enthusiasm and humility-the epitome of a great human being and role model.

Dustin served as a professor of Cognitive Psychology for nearly 18 years at California State University, San Marcos. He dedicated his life's work to advancing our understanding of memory, reasoning, decision-making, and the ways biases and misinformation shape our thinking. Widely respected in his field, he leaves behind an academic legacy of more than 50 peer-reviewed scientific journal articles-research that will continue to resonate in classrooms, conferences, and public discussions about truth, trust, and critical thinking.

A lover of knowledge, he earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from California State University, Bakersfield, and his Ph.D. in Psychology-Cognitive and Perceptual Sciences-from the University of California, Santa Barbara. In his final years, Dustin led the Psychology Department at California State University, San Marcos as Department Chair.

Beyond his professional achievements, Dustin was a devoted family man who was happiest when he was with his loved ones-whether traveling, playing golf, sailing, camping, or watching sports. He was a fan of West Ham United F.C., San Diego Wave F.C., the New York Yankees, the Denver Broncos, and, of course, the San Diego Padres! More than a Padres fan, he was the "World's Best Padre" to his daughter, Vivian, the apple of his eye and forever Daddy's Little Girl.

His light went out far too soon after a courageous battle with stage 4 cancer. He now joins his mother, Angela Calvillo; sister, Misti Rodriguez; aunt, Becky Bravo; and grandfather, Paul Calvillo. His memory will live on with his wife, Angelica Rocha, Ph.D.; daughter, Vivian Calvillo; father and bonus mother, Paul G. and Rita Calvillo; brothers and sister, Chris, Andrew, and Juliana Calvillo; and grandmother, Ruby Calvillo. He is also remembered by his extended family, including the Bravo, Rocha, and LaPertche families.

While Dustin resided in San Diego County, he took his final breath in San Luis Obispo County, having journeyed to be with his family in what became his final days. A funeral service and celebration of life will be held in October, honoring Dustin in the month he would have turned 50.

In lieu of flowers, do something that Dustin would have loved-trade trivial facts about sports, music, or the brain, make someone laugh, spend time outdoors, and keep his memory alive by sharing with Vivian what made her dad so amazing!