Anthony Edward Kalvelage

Anthony Edward Kalvelage, a beloved husband, son, brother, godfather, and friend, succumbed to pancreatic cancer on July 30, 2025, leaving behind a legacy defined by service, creativity, and a life richly and passionately lived. He was born on March 20, 1976, in Sarasota, Florida, to Edward “Ed” Kalvelage and Dianne “Dee Dee” Lasiter Kalvelage.

“Tony,” as everyone affectionately called him, grew up in Stone Mountain and Lilburn, Georgia, where his adventurous and inquisitive spirit first took root. In 1985, a local newspaper reporter observed a father patiently teaching his 9-year-old son to fish along the banks of the Chattahoochee River. In his article, the reporter quoted Ed: “Patience is a learned behavior. As I was driving out here today, I told Tony the reason I spend so much time with him is that I’m trying to be a good role model. There’s so much that kids can get into these days, it scares me. I just try my darndest, and then hope everything works out OK.” Ed did more than OK. It is clear that the man Tony became was a direct reflection of the love, wisdom, and strength that Ed poured into him, accompanying the compassion, kindness, and care for others that Tony learned from Dee Dee.

At just 13 years old, Tony experienced a unique opportunity that is every kid’s dream—attending Space Camp in 1989. For a teenager with dreams among the stars, this was not just a camp; it was a rare and memorable gateway into the world of space exploration, setting him apart from his peers in a truly extraordinary way.

While Tony was in high school, he introduced music to his sister, Leigh. All the bands she loved, she heard from him first. Any time she rode with Tony, Leigh remembered him in the red Mazda blasting his favorite band, as the coolest guy she knew. Music wasn’t just background noise—it was Tony’s heartbeat. Anyone that knew him growing up, knew he had an enduring love for music, especially R.E.M. and Primus. Automatic for the People was practically the soundtrack of his younger years—on repeat and never getting old.

At the same time, Tony loved heading out to Stone Mountain Park with his best friend, Adam Crawford. The one-lane covered bridge, serene lakes, and occasional hikes up the mountain made for simple but unforgettable moments. The nightly laser show on the mountain’s face, complete with “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” was a staple and always a highlight.

After graduating from high school in 1996, Tony worked for UPS before joining the United States Navy in 2000. He served honorably for six years as an Aviation Electrician, including two deployments aboard the USS Nimitz with the strike fighter squadron VFA-14. His Navy career took him from Great Lakes IL, to Pensacola FL, to Naval Air Station (NAS) Lemoore CA, where he met his shipmate for life, Chris Alumbaugh, and rose to the rank of Petty Officer Second Class (Aviation Warfare). Known for his excellence and dedication to the mission, Tony earned multiple honors including three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, Plane Captain of the Year, and Junior Sailor of the Quarter. Among his proudest accomplishments was being selected for a coveted backseat ride in an F/A-18—a rare and celebrated experience he often described as one of the highlights of his life.

A special moment with his mom, Dee Dee, was in 2005 when Tony was returning to Naval Base Coronado on the Nimitz aircraft carrier (CVN 68). This would be his final trip before leaving the Navy. Dee Dee flew 5 hours across the country from Atlanta to see Tony return to port. It took a long time for the 5,000+ sailors to unload, but Dee Dee was finally able to visit with him for 45 minutes before he had to depart on the bus for NAS Lemoore. Dee Dee has never regretted that trip. Tony concluded his service in the Quality Assurance office, bringing his Navy career to a close with the same integrity and professionalism that marked every step of his life.

In 2006, Tony settled in Colorado, where he found a community and landscape that matched his adventurous soul. By 2011, Tony had earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Colorado, a testament to his intellectual curiosity and determination. Tony then applied his talents in a return to serving others, working for the Department of the Interior and later the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The Director of VA Human Resources Management and Counseling Services (HRMACS) shared that throughout his distinguished career with the VA, Tony was instrumental in employee planning and benefits, supporting both those transitioning into and out of government service.

Tony’s commitment was evident in his contribution to numerous high-profile projects, including providing retirement services for federal employees. Tony’s deep knowledge and unwavering dedication were vital in supporting more than 23,000 employees assigned to the HRMACS office, as well as countless other employees across the VA Department. Tony’s expertise in human resources was matched only by his compassion and willingness to listen. He was a trusted advisor, guiding colleagues through complex HR matters with empathy and professionalism.

A true renaissance man, Tony possessed a rare blend of rugged capability and refined taste. He was highly skilled in hands-on work, whether it was remodeling his home, repairing scooters, or tackling complex DIY projects. Yet he had a deep appreciation for art, design, and culture. Tony had an impeccable eye for fashion and a natural sense of style that reflected his thoughtful and expressive nature.

Tony lived with unrelenting energy and a hunger for experience. He embraced life outdoors and found joy in fishing, hunting with his beloved dog Gunny, snowboarding with his dear friend Allie Chesnut, rock climbing with his close friend Eric Poehlmann, and traveling across the country. He also loved seeing his favorite bands live in concert, where music continued to be a form of connection, joy, and self-expression. He found equal inspiration in the fine arts and design, being drawn to beauty, creativity, and meaning wherever they appeared.

At the heart of Tony’s life was his undeniable, once-in-a-lifetime love for his wife, Linda. They met through a dating app on July 8, 2023—just a swipe, a message, and then lunch. But from that first meal together, they both knew: this wasn’t just a date, it was the beginning of something extraordinary. Together, they lived life to the fullest. They saw theater productions, dined at every spot that caught their eye, traveled to new places, danced at concerts, and made memories out of ordinary moments. Anything they did, they did together—and that made it all unforgettable. Then came the unexpected: a cancer diagnosis. Faced with something so heavy, they chose to do the only thing that made sense: they got married, quickly but wholeheartedly, on June 9, 2025. In those vows, they sealed what they had known all along: their union was meant to be. Their bond was extraordinary, a rare and beautiful partnership built on deep respect, mutual joy, and unwavering devotion. To those who knew them, their love was both inspiring and unforgettable.

Tony is survived by his wife, Linda; his parents, Edward, Dianne, and stepmother Molly; his younger sister, Leigh; his godson, Crew Crawford; and his loving family and friends. Tony will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, brilliant mind, generous heart, and the lasting impact he had on all who knew him. His authenticity, warmth, humor, and unshakable love for those closest to him leave a legacy that will not fade.

Tony was one of a kind. He will be profoundly missed.