Daniel John Calderon

“Dan the Man,” as many of his friends called him, was born in Pico Rivera on August 2, 1957 to Jose and Hope Calderon. He was the fourth of five children: Cynthia, Joyce, Joseph and Richard.

Dan’s biggest passion was music, and simply being in a musical environment brought a smile to his face. Dan was a talented trumpet player in Lakewood High School’s Marching Band, and he participated in the Rose Parade two years in a row. The route had over five miles of marching each time, probably the farthest Dan ever walked in one stretch! Dan’s musical talents were noticed and he was selected as one of the One Hundred Fanfare Trumpeters in the Opening and Closing ceremonies of the 1984, Los Angeles Olympics. Dan was proud to represent his country with the music that he loved so much. Dan was also a member of the band Azure and played many gigs with this group.  As the reigning champion of “name that song,” Dan enjoyed challenging his friends and family to see who could guess the song with just a few bars of some of his favorite tunes. His favorite genre of music was disco, and he was appropriately named “Disco Dan.” Dan collected and cared for a number of vinyl records which include artists such as Tower of Power, The Commodores, Kool and the Gang, Cheryl Lynne, Donna Summer, and Michael Jackson.  His playlist embraced a spectrum of different styles and over 2,000 different songs and artists.

At age seventeen, Dan embarked on a career in sales at a department store then known as May Company at the Lakewood Mall. He began his cheerful journey in the budget men’s department. Dan’s commitment to the community and his love for engaging with customers made it easy for him to flourish with the company. This is where he met his wife, Lydia, of nineteen years, and made many long-lasting friendships that he shared for the entirety of his life. He continued his devotion to his job and to the public, through the Robinsons May era and then into the current generation of the Macy’s empire. Dan’s journey in customer service spanned a total of forty-two years. He transitioned through many different departments including electronics where his journey ended at the Del Amo Fashion Center in Torrance. Dan loved his job so much and he even used “ROBMAYMAN” as his username for social media and email accounts. Each day, Dan would leave for work with a smile on his face, a sharp looking suit, and a fresh smelling scent. He worked many holidays, but he enjoyed them because that’s when all the “interesting people” would come out. Dan would usually have a story to tell the family the next day about a special person he may have encountered. Anyone who knew Dan knows that great customer service was the first and foremost quality he strived for and was successful at achieving throughout his career. His ability to be of service to others made him an excellent mentor. Dan created lifelong impacts on fellow employees, friends, and family. Moreover, Dan never hesitated to let a manager at any store or restaurant hear how satisfied he was when he received wholesome customer service from an employee. Dan’s friendly, outgoing ability and willingness to say “hello” or shake a stranger’s hand made him well known. There was hardly ever a place he walked into where someone didn’t know him. His recent trip this summer is a testimony to the value of Dan’s connection with people because it even spans across the country! Sure enough, at the Macy’s in New York City he got to talk with some employees and discovered that an old store manager and friend of his was now in charge of that very department!

Dan truly enjoyed interacting with others. He was a patient listener and always willing to give guidance while throwing in a touch of humor. Dan was always trying to be the funny man and although his jokes were not always the best, he always got a response from the crowd. With his infectious smile and his hearty laugh, Dan brought joy to so many people. Dan’s laidback nature was evident through his speech and he would often tell those around him things like “lighten up,” or “life is too short, “it is what it is,” and “just go with it.” Dan was a friend to all who would help anyone in need at the drop of a hat. He would give you the shirt off his back even if you didn’t need it.

Dan’s love for his family shined through his willingness to be present for them, reach out to them when they were in need, and show his love with a warmhearted hug. He loved his siblings with all of his heart. He was a wonderful brother in law, and a mentor to his nieces and nephews that left a lasting impression on all of them.

He was the biggest fan of his pride and joy, Lauren, who brought a sparkle to his eyes when he talked about her, and that completed him. Dan never missed a chance to see her perform. Whether it was at a football or basketball game watching her cheer, at an orchestral or symphonic winds concert, or at a dance performance, he was there supporting her, cheering her on, and loving it. His love for Lauren and Lydia was unconditional and some of his happiest times were spent with the both of them.

Dan’s legacy lives on in his wife Lydia; daughter Lauren; sisters Cynthia, Joyce, Candy and Toni; brothers Joe, Rick, and John; nephews David, and Mateo; nieces, Angela, Elise, Laura, Jessica, Isabel, and Maya; and God children Gregory, and Daniel. The love that Dan had for all of them was infinite.

Dan will be remembered as a friend and brother to all. He was patient, kind, compassionate, loving, funny, giving, humble and just an all-around “good” guy. He will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers his family is asking for donations that will be distributed in Dan’s name to the following organizations: two of which were assistive to Dan and his family directly. There will be a collection box at his memorial and at his luncheon for anyone who would like to give in his name.

**The Bucket List Project – is a wish fulfillment program for adults with life-limiting illnesses and limited resources. http://supportlongbeach.memorialcare.org/BucketListProject

** Pancreatic Cancer Action Network www.pancan.org

** The Todd Cancer Center Institute at Long Beach Memorial is committed to helping patients overcome the challenges of cancer. Donate: (In honor of Dan to the work that Nilesh Vora is doing)
https://www.memorialcare.org/services/cancer-care/cancer-care-long-beach-memorial