HAGATNA (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES) — Guam mourns the passing of former governor Paul Calvo.
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.
Governor 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. Governor Calvo’s legacy in public service continued with the historic election of his son, Governor Eddie Calvo,” said Lt. Governor 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.
Speaker Therese M. Terlaje said: “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,” she said…. PACNEWS