Tomas Bello Calderon, Jr.

Tomas B. Calderon, Jr., a beloved father, grandfather, and friend left us peacefully on November 22, 2024, at the age of 88. He was surrounded by family and friends at the time of his passing.

Tomas, known to many as Tom, was born on October 6,1936 in Santa, Ilocos Sur, Philippines. He was a great man known for his unwavering love for his wife, children, and grandchildren and deep Catholic faith. He was everyone’s dad, uncle, and friend. Tom was fun-loving and enjoyed being with his friends. He loved music, especially singing. It is well known among his friends and family that, once he started singing, it was difficult to make him stop. Most of all, he was known for his sense of humor but especially for his unbridled generosity. He supported many charities and developed such a big reputation as a big tipper at his favorite restaurants that many of the wait staff fought over who would serve him.

Tom studied law at Far Eastern University in Sampaloc, Manila, Philippines. He would eventually work as an adviser for his best friend, Willy Altuna, who borrowed his clothes and law books in college. Tom also worked for the Central Bank in the Philippines. He worked as a Materials Management Supervisor at Wishard Memorial Hospital in Indianapolis until his retirement.

He met his wife, Sergia (Gless), while in college as they were neighbors in the same apartment building. Tom said he would walk in front of Gless’ apartment in his tennis whites and with his racquet, and she would sing to him because he was handsome. They were married on November 28, 1960 at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Harrison Pasay, Manila, Philippines. Upon the couple’s retirement, they traveled all over the world with their friends. Tom said his favorite place was Israel and he had hoped to take his children there. Tom and Gless were married for 54 years before Gless’ passing on September 7, 2015.

In addition to being a father, Tom was a proud Lolo (grandfather). He is survived by his daughter Cynthia (Rick) Ruble of Martinsville, IN and grandson, Alexander, son Cicero (Rhonda) Calderon of Omaha, NE and grandson, Aaron, and granddaughter Grace, and son Christian (Phyllis) Calderon of Chicago, IL and grandson Christopher Jarod, along with many close friends who will remember him fondly for his loyalty, compassion, integrity, and generosity.

Visitation will be held at Washington Park North Cemetery, 2702 Kessler Boulevard, Indianapolis, IN 46228 on November 29, 2024, from 5 – 8PM. A funeral Mass will be held at St. Gabriel Church, 6000 West 34th Street Indianapolis, IN 46224 on November 30, 2024, at 9:00 A.M., followed by interment at Washington Park North Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/PFFTribute/SergiaCalderon, in honor of Gless’ life.