Violet Namiko Callegari

Violet Namiko Callegari, a life-long resident of San Diego, passed away on October 2, 2025 from complications resulting from sudden cardiac arrest. Violet was born on March 24, 1953 in San Diego to August Stanley Hallmann and Keiko Hallmann (Sugiyama). She attended and graduated from Sweetwater High School class of 1971. After graduation she enrolled in business college before landing her dream job working for Pacific Southwest Airlines (PSA) headquartered in San Diego. PSA was known as “The World’s Friendliest Airline” and painted a smile on the nose of its airplanes. The smile and friendliness were personality traits that defined Violet and for all those who befriended her.

Violet worked as a baggage claims administrator for more than 16 years before US Airways acquired PSA in 1988. She had many fond memories of her time at PSA, not all positive however, as she lost many friends on the ill-fated PSA Flight 182 that crashed in North Park in 1978 killing all 144 passengers. Despite the tragic loss she never forgot the memorable times and friendships forged. She considered her time at PSA her most favorite time in the workforce.

After the US Airways acquisition of PSA, Violet moved on joining the Starwood Group in sales and marketing for the Sheraton Hotel & Marina on Harbor Island. She would spend the next 18+ years in various capacities before entering retirement.

In July 1984 she married the love of her life, Bill Callegari, and they spent the next 41 years nurturing a loving relationship. No children by choice, together they parented several “fur” babies during those years. Additionally, she carved out time to serve as team Mom for Senior Little Leaguers (13-15) for 5 years on teams managed by her husband.

Violet was an avid sports enthusiast, reader, traveler and animal lover. She was the type of person that lit up a room the minute she entered by flashing her warm smile and engaging personality. Her travels took her to Europe several times including Autobahn Adventure trips where both her and her husband drove Porsches from country to country on the autobahn and traversing the snow-covered Alps. Violet’s bravery and courage were on display when on one trip she was awarded the “Bravest” Female Driver when she successfully navigated the world- famous Nürburgring race track at Nordschleife (North Loop). A challenge for mere mortals it’s nearly 13 miles of twists and turns, rises and falls through the Eifel Mountains in Germany. Legendary British racecar driver Jackie Stewart referred to it as “Green Hell”. This is the same Nürburgring track that Porsche uses today for vehicle testing and development.

Violet was a fervent San Diego Padres fan and supporter of San Diego State Athletics. Together with her husband they actively support SDSU sports teams as well as the University’s educational mission through memberships in the SDSU Tower Society (Summa Cum Laude) and Heritage Society.

Both the San Diego Padres and Aztec Nation have lost a loyal supportive fan but her indomitable fighting spirit will endure.

Violet was preceded in death by her father August Stanley Hallmann and her mother Keiko Hallmann (Sugiyama).

Violet is survived by her loving husband Bill of 41 years, cat Sammi and sister Patricia Waugh (Steve) of Jacksonville, Florida.

A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, October 25, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to noon at the El Camino Mortuary & Chapel, 5600 Carroll Canyon Road, San Diego, CA 92121. A luncheon reception will follow immediately from noon to 4:00 p.m.

A Celebration of Life will be held at El Camino Memorial - Sorrento Valley, located at 5600 Carroll Canyon Rd, San Diego, CA 92121, on October 25, 2025, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Following the Celebration of Life, a Committal Service will take place at El Camino Memorial - Sorrento Valley & Memorial Park, 5600 Carroll Canyon Rd, San Diego, CA 92121, on October 25, 2025, from 12:15 pm to 1:15 pm.