Francisco Calvillo

Weslaco: Francisco "Frank" Olivarez Calvillo, 75, passed away at his home on Sunday, July 16th, 2023. Frank was born on October 10th, 1947, to Jose (Salazar)and Francisca (Olivarez) Calvillo in Mercedes, Texas. 

Frank grew up in Mercedes with six siblings. He had a special relationship with his father and admired him greatly. Frank would accompany his dad, Jose S. Calvillo, whenever the opportunity arose on short trips around town or to other valley communities. He tried to learn everything possible from his dad. He believed his dad was an excellent role model for him and would lead him in the right direction as he grew to adulthood.

Frank attended Mercedes High School. Always a patriot at heart, he enlisted in the United States Army as soon as possible. After being honorably discharged, Frank returned to Mercedes and continued his education at Pan American College. Frank later attended Texas A&M Corpus Christi and earned a Bachelor's in Occupational Education. He also enrolled in graduate school at Texas A&M Kingsville, Texas. He was close to getting his Master's before his illness forced him to withdraw from the last course. Frank taught many adult students throughout the Valley while employed at the Adult Education Program at Region One in Edinburg.

Besides education, Frank worked with the Veterans Administration Hospital in Houston. He also worked at the Social Security Administration office, McAllen Division, the Small Business Administration Office in Harlingen, and with the US Army Reserve in McAllen. 

However, Frank's passion and dedication for his country never wavered. He returned to serve his country whenever there was a need. In 1991, Frank re-enlisted to work with Operation Desert Storm, where he served as a stateside officer at its headquarters in Indiana. Throughout his career, Frank received several outstanding awards since he was in charge of the personnel and administration section of his unit while on active duty. Frank dedicated most of his adult life to the Army Reserve, committing nearly thirty years to his country before retirement.

Frank was a Catholic. When he first became a St. Pius X Catholic Church member, he immediately volunteered to drive the Church van every Sunday morning to areas outside the city limit. He would pick up parishioners, bring them to Church, and afterward, return them home. Frank contributed to that project and others at St. Pius for many years. 

Frank was a student of the Bible, the Holy Scripture. He could quickly respond to any biblical text that would come his way and frequently quoted scripture. Frank did not mind taking a stand to agree or disagree. He was firm in his faith and defended his beliefs when necessary. Frank also enjoyed praying for others over the phone and in person. 

Frank was a genuine Public Relations guy. He had "tons" of friends and ran into at least one or two of them practically everywhere he went. Many of these friends were lifelong. Frank belonged to several organizations throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The American Legion Post 172 in Mercedes was particularly special to him. He enjoyed catching up and sharing stories and jokes with his fellow veterans. He often visited his family in California, Wisconsin, Michigan, Houston, Austin, and the Rio Grande Valley. Frank loved being around people, especially his many friends and relatives throughout the Valley.

Frank's love for his only son, Frank J., was immeasurable. Besides Christ, Frank J. was his "world." Frank enjoyed fishing and, especially, teaching his son how to fish. Now that Frank J. has grown up, Frank looked forward to his son's trips home from Austin. The familiar routine was comforting and memorable. Frank and Frank J. would go out to eat and then come home and watch a couple of movies together. One of their favorite things to do together was indulge in the yearly Thanksgiving meal. At Christmas, he still enjoyed opening presents from Frank J.

Frank's other favorites were eating Mexican food, listening, and dancing to music, especially the oldies. Frank was an excellent dancer and enjoyed it tremendously. Some of his favorite songs were "Rocking Around the Clock" by Bill Haley and the Comets and Frank Sinatra's "New York, New York", and he enjoyed dancing to its smooth swinging movement. At his wedding, he made sure that his favorite Spanish song, "A Mi Manera," was sung by Noe Pro as he and Elma danced to its rhythm.

Frank is preceded in death by his parents, Jose Salazar and Francisca Olivarez Calvillo; his sisters, Marcelina Garcia and Mary Jane Lucas; his brothers, Nicolas (Nick), Simon, and Alonzo Calvillo, and his nephew, Matthew Alan Lucas. 

He is survived by his son, Francisco Javier Calvillo, former wife and friend, Elma Calvillo, brother Jose "Joe" Calvillo Jr., sisters-in-law, Adelina Calvillo (Ed) and Oralia Calvillo (Lali), and many beloved nieces and nephews. 

The family is extremely grateful for the prayers and numerous texts and phone calls from relatives and friends.

Visitation will be Thursday, July 20th, 1 pm-9 pm, with a rosary at 7 pm. Mass will be celebrated on Friday, July 21st, at 11 am at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Weslaco. Burial will follow at Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission with full military honors.