By Pacific Island Times News Staff
Guam mourns the passing of former governor Paul M. Calvo today. He was 90.
Calvo, served as the third governor of Guam, from 1979 to 1983, leaving a legacy that set Guam's direction.
“It is with hearts full of love that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Paul McDonald Calvo into the hands of our Lord on Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, at the age of 90 years old," reads a statement from the former governor's family. "He was surrounded by his loving wife of 68 years, Rosa Baza Calvo, his 8 children, many grandchildren, and great-grandchildren at his home in Maite."
A founder of the Republican Party of Guam, Calvo was the father of former governor, Eddie Calvo, who served from 2011 to 2019.
Calvo is survived by his wife, Rose, his children Vera, Kathy, Paul Jr., Eddie, Barbara, Marie, Reyna and Clare, and numerous grandchildren, in-laws, nieces, and nephews.
Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero ordered that all U.S. and Guam flags be flown at half-staff at the Governor's Complex and on all public buildings and grounds in honor of the former governor.
“He pioneered the earliest and longest-lasting policies that set the course for our island’s future, and his experience and success as a businessman laid the groundwork for a strong government,” Lou Leon Guerrero said.
“Our hearts go out to the Calvo family during this time of great loss. Rosa Baza Calvo, their children, grandchildren, and extended family are in our prayers. Governor Calvo’s contributions to our island will be remembered for generations, and we join the island in mourning his passing. May he rest in peace," Leon Guerrero said.
She said Calvo's leadership helped guide the island through crucial times.
“Today, we have truly lost a giant in our community. Gov. Calvo’s legacy in public service continued with the historic election of his son, Governor Eddie Calvo,” said Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio.
“Governor Paul Calvo’s efforts have led to significant improvements across the island, and he was well known and respected for his incredible generosity and dedication to the people of Guam,” Tenorio said.
Calvo was the patriarch of Calvo Enterprises Inc. Founded in 1975, Calvo Enterprises' businesses include insurance, banking/finance, real estate and retail, specifically PayLess Supermarkets.
In 1992, Calvo was named the Guam Business News Executive of the Year award, and in 2007, he was inducted into the Guam Chamber of Commerce’s Business Hall of Fame.
Tenorio said Calvo’s entrepreneurship and the brands and businesses he built “are now deeply embedded in the daily lives of our people, becoming a part of the foundation of our island.”
The Guam Republican Party said Calvo's administration was marked by significant economic reforms and a focus on building a strong future for Guam, including the founding of the Guam National Guard in 1981.
His legacy “is one of tireless dedication to the people of Guam, with his leadership grounded in a deep sense of humility and commitment to the prosperity of our island,” the Republican Party said.
Calvo was born in Agaña, Guam, and is the eldest son of Eduardo "Jake" Torres Calvo (1909–1963) and Veronica Mariano McDonald (1913–2009).
He embarked on a business career in his family's insurance company in 1958, and entered politics during the 1960s as a member of the Republican Party. He was elected as a senator in the Guam legislature in 1965 and served three terms in the body.
Guam officials and community leaders issued the following statements"
Speaker Therese M. Terlaje: “On behalf of the 37th Guam Legislature and my family, I extend sincerest condolences to the family and loved ones of Paul McDonald Calvo, the 3rd Governor of Guam.
“Governor Calvo was a dedicated leader who left an indelible mark on our island. His service as governor and senator in the Guam Legislature, along with his tireless efforts to improve Guam’s economy and address its challenges, will be remembered as part of his lasting legacy.
“Governor Calvo's contributions to public service, his leadership in times of economic rebuilding, and his commitment to Republican politics as a senior statesman were pivotal to shaping the Guam we know today. His life's work is a testament to his love for our island and its people.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Calvo family during this difficult time. May they find comfort in the legacy of leadership and service he leaves behind.
Archbishop Ryan P. Jimenez: “I ask all Catholics to please join me in prayer, one of the most meaningful expressions of love that our Lord has taught us, as we mourn a great leader and devoted Catholic family man.
“Governor Calvo built a legacy of strong leadership, faith and dignity. He was an outstanding statesman, entrepreneur and role model not only for his family but the entire island community. We shall miss him but are also grateful to our Lord for the gift of this wonderful human being and leader.”
“Former Governor Calvo was a strong, relentless supporter of the Catholic Church with his wife Rosa and the Calvo families. A longtime, devoted member of Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica Agaña parish, Calvo was a member of the Knights of St. Sylvester, the Knights of Columbus, Holy Name Society and the Agaña Cathedral Church Choir. He and the former First Lady supported numerous endeavors of the Agaña parish and our entire archdiocese in general.
Republican Party of Guam: “It is with deep sadness that we mourn the passing of Governor Paul M. Calvo, a distinguished leader who shaped the very fabric of Guam and left an indelible mark on the Republican Party of Guam.
“Governor Calvo was a mentor, a pillar of strength, and a source of inspiration for many within our Party. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Calvo Family during this difficult time.”
Democratic Party of Guam: “The Democratic Party of Guam extends its most sincere condolences on the passing of Governor Paul M. Calvo to Mrs. Rosa Baza Calvo, their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended families. Governor Calvo will be remembered for his leadership, wisdom, and generosity to the People of Guam. We join the People of Guam in praying for Governor Calvo and his family during this difficult time.”
Sen. Dwayne San Nicolas: “Governor Calvo was a dedicated public servant who shaped both the political landscape and the economic development of our island. He transformed local industries and created opportunities for countless families, leaving a legacy that will forever be etched in the history of Guam, with his many contributions to public service and the business community. He always aspired to improve the quality of life for the people of Guam. I know his loss will be felt deeply across our island.
"Governor Calvo was a leader, a visionary, mentor, husband, father, and a friend to many. For me, he wasn’t just a household name growing up-- he was my hero.
"Beyond his public achievements, Governor Calvo was a man of conviction, exemplifying the values that define our island: a commitment to family, hard work, strength, resilience, and ambition. May his legacy continue to inspire generations to come and may he rest in peace.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Calvo family, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. May God grant them peace and comfort during this difficult time."
Guam Del. James Moylan: “It is with deep sorrow that we learn of the passing of former Governor Paul M. Calvo. Governor Calvo was a dedicated public servant, a compassionate leader, one of the pillars of Guam’s business community, and a loving husband, father, and grandfather. His passing is a great loss to our island.
"As the third elected Governor of Guam, he led the island through an era of blossoming tourism and economic growth, with new investors and industries making Guam their home.
"Governor Calvo helped forge the island’s image as a business-friendly environment. As a businessman, he helped lead, grow, and diversify the family business, which has employed thousands of island residents over the years while providing everyday goods and services to Guamanians while ensuring Calvo’s Enterprises was (and is) a proud community partner."
Ginger Cruz, congressional candidate: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Governor Paul M. Calvo. On behalf of myself and my family, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the Calvo family during this difficult time.
“Governor Calvo was a dedicated leader who left an indelible mark on our island. His decades of service, both in public office and as a businessman, contributed greatly to the development of our community. His legacy of leadership and commitment to Guam will endure long into the future.
“We stand together with the Calvo family, friends, and loved ones, as we honor his memory and his profound impact on our island. May he be welcomed by the eternal grace of God.”
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