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Jack Calvo
Jack Calvo was buried at the Seattle Sephardic Brotherhood on September 26, 2025.
Jack is survived by his wife Sharlene and his three sons Aaron (Tara), Brian (Paola), and Michael (Melody).
He is also survived by his sister Esther Maimon (Ralph).
Jack leaves behind his beloved grandchildren Elisa, Addison, Emma, Bailey, and Lydia.
Article in LaBoz from Jerry Mezistrano
The other day…was a sad day. My close friend, Jack Calvo, passed away. At his funeral I heard soulful eulogies expressed by his friends and family. They spoke of him being an innovator, a motivator and inspiration to others. I thought to myself, if Jack were here, he would have turned to me and said, “Jerry, who are they talking about?”
Let me tell you about a man I knew and loved for over seventy years. As kids and even as adults Jack was always a leader. There would be three or four guys uncertain of what to do. Enter Jack. Next thing we know, we’re at an ice-skating rink - and none of us know how to skate. Did I mention Jack was an incredible salesman? I recall Jack calling, “Hey, Jerry what are you doing?” I answered, “Don’t bother me, Calvo, I have to study for a test. But before I knew it, I was in a car with Jack, and Stan Handaly (who was also busy), on our way to Mt. Rainer. I remember looking at Stan and the both of us without a word spoken thought the same thing. How did we end up here? Oh, yes Jack Calvo.
Jack was so charismatic - people wanted to be with him because he was just so much fun. Growing up there is one house where all you buddies always hung out. And that was Jack’s. Of course, Jack’s father, Marco, was always telling me to go home because Jack’s sister Esther (Maimon) had to practice her piano. As if she was going to be the next Van Cliburn? I think Mr. Calvo just wanted to get rid of me.
Another thing I should tell you about my pal was that although Jack had a sharp and quick mind, he simply could not sit still in a classroom. How can I put this gracefully? Jack was academically challenged. School just wasn’t his forte. I used to tease Jack, “I understand Jack the best three years of your life were the fourth grade.” Or, “Jack I am sorry you had to miss your sixth-grade graduation party because you had jury duty.”
After graduating from high school, Jack ‘s uncle, Salty Eskanazi, got him a job at an insurance office. I asked Jack what his responsibilities were. Jack, with a confused look on his face stated, “I have no idea”. Needless to say, that job did not last long. After the insurance gig, Jack bounced around for a while until he decided to share his talents with the United States government. He joined the Navy. I believe that is when my insomnia started. The thought of Jack Calvo protecting our shores kept me up at night. In fact, whenever there was a disaster at sea - even if it wasn’t our Navy’s - somehow in my mind I thought Jack Calvo was responsible.
Jack was successful in the service and often promoted. In addition, during his time in the Navy Jack found the love of his life. While on leave, Jack began dating a very attractive flight attendant named Sharlene Steinberg. After the service Jack returned to Seattle, and married Sharlene. They were married for fifty-six years, had three incredible sons and five grandchildren.
Thanks to his charm and people skills, Jack started as a sales rep at a local radio station and eventually worked his way up to station manager. Later, Jack, being the risk taker and a go-getter he was, started a number of successful businesses.
Now that I think about it. When I imagine Jack asking me, “who are they talking about,” I would have replied, “You, of course, Jack. Not only were you all those things your eulogizers spoke about but so much more. You were a loving husband and father and when you talked about your grandchildren it was like watching a light bulb getting brighter and brighter. Your grandchildren were everything to you.
Jack, you touched so many lives and left us with countless cherished memories. Whenever your buddies get together, the Jack Calvo stories never end. You may not have realized it, but you were an inspiration to so many. You taught us not to take ourselves too seriously and to enjoy life. Yes, growing up, you could be a bit crazy and sometimes got me and others in a mess of trouble - but how boring would life be without a friend who make us laugh and do crazy things? I think the greatest lesson you taught me is that it’s not where you are, but who you are with that matters - and we all loved being with you. Jack, to me and so many others you were a treasured part of our lives who will be greatly missed.
Rest in peace my dear friend…. rest in peace.”