Spencer Phillip Calzadilla Mesa, Arizona Obituary

Spencer Phillip Calzadilla

On Friday March 4th, 2022, our son, Spencer Calzadilla, 28, died of suicide. Spencer was born on February 13th , 1994 in Mesa, Arizona. Spencer is survived by his father, Felipe (Phil) Calzadilla, mother, Lisa Baker, his step mother, Casie Calzadilla, his sister Claire Calzadilla, his brothers William (Liam Calzadilla) and Neyden (Neyde) Calzadilla. He is also survived by his paternal grandparents Felipe and Vicenta Calzadillla and his maternal grandmother, Jackie Baker. His father writes. My son had made that transition from being my child to my adult friend. If I was going through a tough time and wanted to reach out to someone I knew would be there for me. I reached out to him. He did the same. This was my son. My son didn't drink or do drugs; he worked out every day and took great care of himself. I was very proud of Spencer. He served our country as a Marine for 5 years. He was honorably discharged and realized he wanted to be educated after his Marine Corps experience. Unfortunately, he didn't have the high school grades to get directly into Arizona State, so he humbly went to community college, did great, and transferred to ASU. He went on to graduate Summa Cum Laude last year. He wanted to be an attorney because, as he wrote in his Personal Statement, “My job as a corrections specialist exposed me to the horrible outcomes of an unjust legal system. While the majority of the time the legal system worked, I have to believe that we can do better as a society.” So he took his LSATs and planned to start ASU law school this spring. I know he also wanted to change the world and be a politician. He was passionate about politics and loved being on the board of Bridge ASU. In his words Bridge ASU is “a non-partisan political organization that seeks to produce more effective and engaging discussion in the hyper partisan political environment that exists today.” I thought he could be president one day. I had told him recently that I thought he was a better man than I was, especially at his age. He was passionate about cars. He loved fast cars but he could tell you about any car and which one was best for your needs after he asked a few questions. He knew the stats, of every car, from a Honda to a Buggatti. I have amazing memories of my son: youth sports, baseball hits, coaching him, running up and down the field in full football gear when it was 110 degrees in AZ, while crying but still doing it. Skiing, Maui, amusement park trips. Dressing up with me in suits for "bring your child to work day" and then telling a client off-color jokes that his grandpa taught him. The heartfelt, extemporaneous, not-a-dry-eye in the room, speech he gave at our wedding. The time he won "Circle of excellence" at his TechData role, which included a trip to Costa Rica, and chose to take me, his dad. Smoking cigars together last month for his 28th birthday. Countless Sunday dinners (but never enough of them). Talking to him when he was sad this past week. Holding him and telling him, "it's okay to cry," not knowing this would be the last time I would hold him in my arms.
February 13, 1994 - March 4, 202202/13/199403/04/2022
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The BridgeASU Team
August 9, 2023
Spencer was a champion for bringing people together. He was a great friend who was there for anyone that needed him. He is deeply missed.
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Haley
February 25, 2023
I think of Spencer often. I am so thankful for the memories I have of him because I reflect from our conversations. I hope you are all well and have been healing. You are in my prayers and thoughts.
J
Janet B Cook
April 30, 2022
My dear Lisa, Phil and family, I just heard of your loss. We send heartfelt condolences. What a wonderful son, brother and friend he was to many. Hugs and prayers as you grieve. May you take comfort and consolation in our faith. Janet & Jeff Cook
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Lisa Kincaid
March 15, 2022
Spencer was a shining light and presence in the room. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry for your loss.
Hope And Healing

Hope And Healing was purchased for the family of Spencer Phillip Calzadilla.

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Dennis Connors
March 12, 2022
May the joyous memories of Spencer you hold be ever present and may they bring comfort to you and your family. Peace to you my brother in _ kai _.
Blue Skies

Blue Skies was purchased for the family of Spencer Phillip Calzadilla.

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Megan Wilkey
March 11, 2022
It was a pleasure working with him at the Brig. He was always a really good guy to work with. There were multiple occasions when he helped me out when no one else would. He was the kind of person who would be willing to help anyone in need. I’m thankful we had our time t... Continue Reading
Alex Skropeta
March 10, 2022
I went to highschool with Spencer, we were both in the same graduating class. In the beginning I didn’t know him too well. We didn’t really have the same social circles. I always considered him one of the cool kids. He was popular and I was… not haha. But he was a theat... Continue Reading
A candle was posted for Spencer Phillip Calzadilla.
A candle was posted for Spencer Phillip Calzadilla.
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Tribute Store
March 10, 2022
Simple Sorrows

Simple Sorrows was purchased for the family of Spencer Phillip Calzadilla.

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Don Crawford
March 10, 2022
Phil, Lisa, Casie, Claire, William, Neyden, I can't begin to tell you how sad this makes me! Bearing the loss of a child is beyond imagination! I had seen Spencer only a couple of weeks ago, the first time I had seen him in many years. It was so obvious that he had grown... Continue Reading
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UiPath
March 10, 2022
Sent with love and remembrance,
Beautiful Basket

Beautiful Basket was purchased for the family of Spencer Phillip Calzadilla.

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UiPath Team
March 10, 2022
We send you thoughts of peace and courage.
Breath Of The Heavens

Breath Of The Heavens was purchased for the family of Spencer Phillip Calzadilla.