Calixto Acorda Atienza

Dr. Calixto A. Atienza, Sr, 89, of Arlington Heights, Illinois died Friday, June 2, 2023, at his home. He was born on October 14, 1933, in Banaba, Batangas City, Philippines to Cayetano and Eufrocina Atienza.

Calixto received his MD degree from Manila Central University. He began his medical career opening a clinic with his wife Aurora in the small town of Victoria, Tarlac, Philippines. In 1969 he was given the opportunity to relocate to the U.S. and moved with his family to Chicago. There he worked at Mary Thompson Hospital and later at Water Tower Surgicenter, an outpatient practice on the Magnificent Mile. He decided to retire in 1999. During his retirement, he discovered new passion and joy as he lovingly cared for his six grandchildren.

Known to friends as, Alex, he was an enthusiastic dancer, especially in Tango and the Cha cha, as many happy memories of family parties and PMAC (Philippine Medical Association of Chicago) events attest. He also enjoyed fishing and tooling around with cars and made attempts with wood working. Through it all, he gave unwavering devotion to both God and his family.

He is survived by his wife Aurora (nee Allarde) Atienza; his son Calixto A. (Mary) Atienza, Jr.; his son-in-law, Reginald Goolsby; his grandchildren, Christiana Chambers, Elena Goolsby, Clarisse Chambers, Justina Goolsby, Grayson Atienza, and Lucas Atienza; and sisters Adeling Lontoc, Aurora, and Norma Atienza.

Calixto is preceded in death by his daughters, Maria Cecilia Goolsby, and Zita Carina Chambers; his sisters Rose Acorda and Juanita Atienza; and his parents.

Visitation will be held Friday, June 9, 2023, from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm at the Glueckert Funeral Home, Ltd., 1520 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights, IL 60004 and on Saturday, June 10, 2023, from 9:00 am until time of Funeral Mass at 10:00 am at St. Edna Catholic Church, 2525 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights, IL 60004. Burial will take place at All Saints Cemetery, Des Plaines, Illinois. For those unable to attend the Mass, a Livestream can be viewed by clicking the link in “Events” on Dr. Atienza’s obituary at www.GlueckertFuneralHome.com.

Funeral Information and condolences can be given at www.GlueckertFuneralHome.com or (847) 253-0168.