Francisco Turingan Calimag

Francisco was born in Amulung, Philippines to parents Maria Turingan and Filipe Calimag and siblings Pedro, Remigia, Filomena, Diosdado, and Juan. From a young age, he had a curious, active, and fiery spirit, always making many friends with whom he would laugh and play. While in school, he was something of a troublemaker with a well-meaning heart who would later earn a degree in law from Far Eastern University in Manila. Soon after, he met his future wife with whom he would spend over fifty-five years, Violeta Bulseco.

The two courted over letters written across the sea, as Violeta was working as a nurse across North America. When she returned, they married on November 26th, 1965 and had three children, Eric, Cynthia, and Wendy. Their young family then immigrated to the United States in 1971, eventually buying a house in the Bridgeport neighborhood on the south side of Chicago. Here, he supported his family by working as a mail clerk for the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund. It was his support and generosity, along with Violeta’s, that would pave the way for the immigration of other relatives and for the higher education of his children.

This support and generosity only grew by the time his three grandchildren, Megan, Caroline, and Emma were born. His flowering backyard garden was a fruitful spot for harvesting beans, upo, bittermelon, and more, to cook for plentiful family dinners. Beyond cooking, he loved table games and had a competitive spirit for mahjong, which he would teach his children, grandchildren, and even friends at Autumn Green later in life. Throughout the end, he was spirited, giving, and loving — eager to connect with many and treat them like family.

Frank will be remembered for his lively, charming soul and for all of the meaningful moments he spent with his cherished loved ones.

A visitation for Francisco will be held Thursday, January 11, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Montclair-Lucania Funeral Home, 6901 West Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60634. Please note that a novena will start at 6:30PM.

A funeral mass will occur Friday, January 12, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at St. Pascal Catholic Church, 3935 N Melvina Ave, Chicago, IL 60634 followed by interment from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at St. Joseph Cemetery, Belmont & Cumberland Avenues, River Grove, IL 60171.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Francisco's memory may be made to:

Forward Together

https://forwardtogether.org/donate/

Saint Patrick High School

https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/CRPBsw?vid=138yfq

Please be sure to select "Donate in honor or memory of" and then type in "Francisco Calimag" in the box.