Derek Calzadillas

Visitation will be held Tuesday - January 16, 2024

4:00pm-8:00pm

Fred Wood Funeral Home - Rice Chapel

36100 Five Mile Rd. Livonia (E. of Levan)

Funeral Service - Wednesday - January 17, 2024

Gathering 10:00am   Service 11:00am

Fred Wood Funeral Home - Rice Chapel

36100 Five Mile Rd. Livonia (E. of Levan)

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to:

The Calzadillas Family so they may speak the donations as evenly as possible over several of Derek's favorite charities.

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the news of Derek John Calzadillas passing

at the age of 41, a resident of West Chester, PA (formerly of Canton, MI). Derek was an

embodiment of kindness, cherished by a multitude and reciprocating that love in

abundance. He is survived by his grieving father, Dave Calzadillas, devoted mother

Denise (Phil) Vosmik, loving sister Danielle (John) Kline, and his favorite girls in the

world, his adored nieces Genevieve and Rebekah Kline.

Derek’s memory also lives on through his aunts Carol (Larry) Stubenrauch, Val (Blaine)

Olander-Vande Berg, Marina Calzadillas, Diane (Jake) Jacobs, and cousin Tamra

McCloskey, and many other cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his

grandparents Joanna Thomas-Sulkey, Perry Thomas, Irene, and Red Olander.

Derek’s insatiable thirst for knowledge and personal growth was evident in his academic

achievements. He earned degrees from prestigious institutions such as the University of

Michigan-Dearborn, where he served as the editor-in-chief for the literary arts journal

Lyceum, The University of Massachusetts, and Georgia Institute of Technology.

His vibrant life was marked by extensive travels across the United States, Europe, and

Asia, with meaningful experiences in South Korea and Taiwan, where he dedicated

himself to teaching English. Derek found joy in cooking, laughter, and was renowned for

his playful sense of humor. Beyond all, he was a loyal friend, a patient listener, and

someone who wholeheartedly devoted himself to those he held dear, always ready to

lend a helping hand.

Derek’s absence leaves a void in the lives of many, creating a deep ache in the hearts

of those fortunate enough to have known and loved him. His memory will forever be

etched in the fabric of our lives, a testament to a life well-lived and a soul deeply

missed.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Derek Calzadillas, please visit our floral store.