Martin Joseph Kaluza

July 1, 1930 - December 7, 2016

MARTIN JOSEPH KALUZA July 1, 1930 – December 7, 2016 Martin Joseph Kaluza, passed away on December 7, 2016, at the age of 86 after a lengthy illness. Martin was born on July 1, 1930 in San Jose to Adele Boisseranc and later adopted by his loving father, Andrew Kaluza. He resided in Vallejo for almost 70 years. Martin joined the U.S. Army at the age of 22 and served in Korea during the Korean War. After the Army, he came back and continued his work at the Mare Island Naval Shipyard for 39 years, retiring in August, 1990. He was an avid fisherman and loved the outdoors. It wasn’t unusual to see him sitting on the banks of the San Pablo Reservoir throwing out a line. He also loved collecting, whether it was a valuable or a penny on the ground. He was a loyal and devoted husband, dad, grandpa and brother. He loved passionately and was loved just as passionately by his family. His heart and compassion were larger than life and when he entered the room you could instantly feel his good energy. Martin was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Adele; and his stepdaughter, Ella Briscoe. He is survived by his wife, Esther; his children, Diane Kaluza-Luna, Mary Butler, Patricia Kaluza, Teresa Furr (Chris), Tina Pearson, Michael Kaluza and Anthony Kaluza (Suzie); his step-children, Howard Garcia and Geraldine Orta; his grandchildren, Danielle (Russell), Derek (Cynthia), John, Andrea, Darrell II, Marcus (Tia), Elyse, Samantha, O.J. (Erica), Andrew (Tania), Michael II, Matthew, Marisa, and Cecily; and his great-grandchildren, Aalayah, Miniya, Kavi, Ava, Selena, Aliana, Cassidy, Aliyannah; and his siblings, Edward Kaluza (Helen) and Louise Maddox. A Catholic Prayer Service will be held 12:30 PM Wednesday, Dec.14 at Twin Chapels Mortuary, 1100 Tennessee St., Vallejo. Burial with Military Honors will immediately follow at Sacramento Valley VA National Cemetery, Dixon, CA. Friends may call after 11 a.m. Wednesday at the mortuary. Contributions may be made to Kaiser Hospice-Vallejo or the donor’s favorite charity. Arrangements entrusted to the direction and care of Twin Chapels Mortuary, Vallejo (707)552-6696. www.TwinChapelsMortuary.com