Donald Callesen

Donald F. Callesen

1932 to 2020

A native of Watsonville, Don Callesen died Nov. 28, 2020, at Watsonville Hospital. He was 88 years old. Born at Watsonville Hospital, Don was the second son of Fred and Marie Callesen. He attended Notre Dame grammar school and graduated from Watsonville High School where he was a member of the Road Angels car club. He graduated from  Hartnell College and served in the US Navy on a minesweeper patrolling the Yellow Sea during the Korean War.

A retiree of Lockheed Martin Space Systems,  Don worked on serval pivotal programs including the Hubble Telescope and the Space Shuttle.

He is preceded in death by his sister Jeanne O’Reilly. He is survived by his brothers Fred (Shirley) and Loren Callesen.

A gentle and compassionate man, with a warm sense of humor, he also leaves nieces and nephews Pete Callesen (Lara); Dianna Callesen Silva (Jim); Marie O’Reilly Khodadadi (Farrohk), Shawn O’Reilly (Rochella); and Shay O’Reilly; and grand nieces and nephews Ethan, Lorraine, Lily and Annelisa.

Graveside services will be held at Valley Public Cemetery.