Eastern Arizona Courier (Safford, AZ) - Tuesday, April 10, 2018
Felix Callicotte
July 1, 1943 - March 30, 2018
Felix Lester Callicotte, 74, of Clifton, passed away Friday, March 30, 2018. He was born to the late G.M. Callicotte and Maude Loretta (Brutinel) Callicotte on July 1, 1943.
Felix grew up attending the local schools in Clifton and made many friends. In 1961, he graduated from Clifton High School and attended Eastern Arizona College and the University of Arizona. In 1966, Felix married Charlene Betty Freida. Felix stayed active in the Clifton community while raising their three children, Douglas, Dawn and Victoria.
A lifelong resident, Felix worked several jobs from survey technician to payroll supervisor, and serving on the Clifton Town Council, being a strong advocate for and fighting for what was in the best interest for the community. He also took an active role within the Elks organization.
In 1990, Felix and Charlene parted ways and, in 1996, Felix found himself in Tucson, assuming the role of payroll supervisor for the Sunnyside Unified School District for the next 11 years. As payroll supervisor for the district, he took great pride in his meticulous records and his work in all payroll functions; in fact, several spreadsheets he created are still in use today.
Family and friends were Felix's passion and delight. But a core of his being was his public servitude. In 2010, Felix returned to the Clifton Town Council and, in December 2013, was elected mayor. During his work as mayor, he worked endlessly, striving to improve public safety and making sure Clifton's voice was heard in issues not only affecting Clifton, but of the county, the state and the country itself. He saw success in public safety by helping establish a quiet zone in South Clifton to cut down noise from passing trains, to banning the use of cell phones and hand-held devices while driving. He oversaw multiple public works projects that opened trails, beautified parks, and gave new life to buildings and areas that once laid dormant. In late 2017, he made sure that Clifton's voice was heard, when he stood with the council in support of the Coronado Trail and was defiant at the possibility of its closure.
Being mayor did not go to Felix's head at all. He always made himself accessible. Every day, you could find him down at PJ's, drinking his iced tea, and holding "meetings" at his "table of wisdom." Tablemates would include lifelong friends, to newcomers, to filmmakers, to state representatives. Always staying humble but confident.
Felix leaves behind an indelible legacy.
Felix was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by: his step-brother, Stewart J. Ritchey, of Bowling Green, Ky.; son, Douglas Callicotte, of Phoenix; and daughters, Dawn (Tim) Quintero, of Safford, and Victoria (Clyde) Callicotte-Cornelius, of Green Valley; six grandchildren, Alexandra, Francesca and Gabriella Callicotte, Michael and Sarah Quintero, and Thomas Cornelius; nieces, Josephine (Ritchey) Faulk, of Portland, Ore., and Cathy Ritchey, of Phoenix; and a number of other relatives and close friends.
A celebration of Felix's life was conducted Saturday morning, April 7, 2018, at 11 a.m., at the Clifton American Legion Post #28.
There will be a private graveside service for immediate family members at Ward's Canyon Cemetery in Clifton at a later date.
Arrangements were provided by Vining Funeral Home.
Online condolences can be left on Felix Callicotte's Memorial Tribute at www.viningfuneralhome.com.
Felix Callicotte
July 1, 1943 - March 30, 2018
Felix Lester Callicotte, 74, of Clifton, passed away Friday, March 30, 2018. He was born to the late G.M. Callicotte and Maude Loretta (Brutinel) Callicotte on July 1, 1943.
Felix grew up attending the local schools in Clifton and made many friends. In 1961, he graduated from Clifton High School and attended Eastern Arizona College and the University of Arizona. In 1966, Felix married Charlene Betty Freida. Felix stayed active in the Clifton community while raising their three children, Douglas, Dawn and Victoria.
A lifelong resident, Felix worked several jobs from survey technician to payroll supervisor, and serving on the Clifton Town Council, being a strong advocate for and fighting for what was in the best interest for the community. He also took an active role within the Elks organization.
In 1990, Felix and Charlene parted ways and, in 1996, Felix found himself in Tucson, assuming the role of payroll supervisor for the Sunnyside Unified School District for the next 11 years. As payroll supervisor for the district, he took great pride in his meticulous records and his work in all payroll functions; in fact, several spreadsheets he created are still in use today.
Family and friends were Felix's passion and delight. But a core of his being was his public servitude. In 2010, Felix returned to the Clifton Town Council and, in December 2013, was elected mayor. During his work as mayor, he worked endlessly, striving to improve public safety and making sure Clifton's voice was heard in issues not only affecting Clifton, but of the county, the state and the country itself. He saw success in public safety by helping establish a quiet zone in South Clifton to cut down noise from passing trains, to banning the use of cell phones and hand-held devices while driving. He oversaw multiple public works projects that opened trails, beautified parks, and gave new life to buildings and areas that once laid dormant. In late 2017, he made sure that Clifton's voice was heard, when he stood with the council in support of the Coronado Trail and was defiant at the possibility of its closure.
Being mayor did not go to Felix's head at all. He always made himself accessible. Every day, you could find him down at PJ's, drinking his iced tea, and holding "meetings" at his "table of wisdom." Tablemates would include lifelong friends, to newcomers, to filmmakers, to state representatives. Always staying humble but confident.
Felix leaves behind an indelible legacy.
Felix was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by: his step-brother, Stewart J. Ritchey, of Bowling Green, Ky.; son, Douglas Callicotte, of Phoenix; and daughters, Dawn (Tim) Quintero, of Safford, and Victoria (Clyde) Callicotte-Cornelius, of Green Valley; six grandchildren, Alexandra, Francesca and Gabriella Callicotte, Michael and Sarah Quintero, and Thomas Cornelius; nieces, Josephine (Ritchey) Faulk, of Portland, Ore., and Cathy Ritchey, of Phoenix; and a number of other relatives and close friends.
A celebration of Felix's life was conducted Saturday morning, April 7, 2018, at 11 a.m., at the Clifton American Legion Post #28.
There will be a private graveside service for immediate family members at Ward's Canyon Cemetery in Clifton at a later date.
Arrangements were provided by Vining Funeral Home.
Online condolences can be left on Felix Callicotte's Memorial Tribute at www.viningfuneralhome.com.
Eastern Arizona Courier (Safford, AZ) - Tuesday, April 10, 2018
Felix Callicotte
July 1, 1943 - March 30, 2018
Felix Lester Callicotte, 74, of Clifton, passed away Friday, March 30, 2018. He was born to the late G.M. Callicotte and Maude Loretta (Brutinel) Callicotte on July 1, 1943.
Felix grew up attending the local schools in Clifton and made many friends. In 1961, he graduated from Clifton High School and attended Eastern Arizona College and the University of Arizona. In 1966, Felix married Charlene Betty Freida. Felix stayed active in the Clifton community while raising their three children, Douglas, Dawn and Victoria.
A lifelong resident, Felix worked several jobs from survey technician to payroll supervisor, and serving on the Clifton Town Council, being a strong advocate for and fighting for what was in the best interest for the community. He also took an active role within the Elks organization.
In 1990, Felix and Charlene parted ways and, in 1996, Felix found himself in Tucson, assuming the role of payroll supervisor for the Sunnyside Unified School District for the next 11 years. As payroll supervisor for the district, he took great pride in his meticulous records and his work in all payroll functions; in fact, several spreadsheets he created are still in use today.
Family and friends were Felix's passion and delight. But a core of his being was his public servitude. In 2010, Felix returned to the Clifton Town Council and, in December 2013, was elected mayor. During his work as mayor, he worked endlessly, striving to improve public safety and making sure Clifton's voice was heard in issues not only affecting Clifton, but of the county, the state and the country itself. He saw success in public safety by helping establish a quiet zone in South Clifton to cut down noise from passing trains, to banning the use of cell phones and hand-held devices while driving. He oversaw multiple public works projects that opened trails, beautified parks, and gave new life to buildings and areas that once laid dormant. In late 2017, he made sure that Clifton's voice was heard, when he stood with the council in support of the Coronado Trail and was defiant at the possibility of its closure.
Being mayor did not go to Felix's head at all. He always made himself accessible. Every day, you could find him down at PJ's, drinking his iced tea, and holding "meetings" at his "table of wisdom." Tablemates would include lifelong friends, to newcomers, to filmmakers, to state representatives. Always staying humble but confident.
Felix leaves behind an indelible legacy.
Felix was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by: his step-brother, Stewart J. Ritchey, of Bowling Green, Ky.; son, Douglas Callicotte, of Phoenix; and daughters, Dawn (Tim) Quintero, of Safford, and Victoria (Clyde) Callicotte-Cornelius, of Green Valley; six grandchildren, Alexandra, Francesca and Gabriella Callicotte, Michael and Sarah Quintero, and Thomas Cornelius; nieces, Josephine (Ritchey) Faulk, of Portland, Ore., and Cathy Ritchey, of Phoenix; and a number of other relatives and close friends.
A celebration of Felix's life was conducted Saturday morning, April 7, 2018, at 11 a.m., at the Clifton American Legion Post #28.
There will be a private graveside service for immediate family members at Ward's Canyon Cemetery in Clifton at a later date.
Arrangements were provided by Vining Funeral Home.
Online condolences can be left on Felix Callicotte's Memorial Tribute at www.viningfuneralhome.com.
Felix Callicotte
July 1, 1943 - March 30, 2018
Felix Lester Callicotte, 74, of Clifton, passed away Friday, March 30, 2018. He was born to the late G.M. Callicotte and Maude Loretta (Brutinel) Callicotte on July 1, 1943.
Felix grew up attending the local schools in Clifton and made many friends. In 1961, he graduated from Clifton High School and attended Eastern Arizona College and the University of Arizona. In 1966, Felix married Charlene Betty Freida. Felix stayed active in the Clifton community while raising their three children, Douglas, Dawn and Victoria.
A lifelong resident, Felix worked several jobs from survey technician to payroll supervisor, and serving on the Clifton Town Council, being a strong advocate for and fighting for what was in the best interest for the community. He also took an active role within the Elks organization.
In 1990, Felix and Charlene parted ways and, in 1996, Felix found himself in Tucson, assuming the role of payroll supervisor for the Sunnyside Unified School District for the next 11 years. As payroll supervisor for the district, he took great pride in his meticulous records and his work in all payroll functions; in fact, several spreadsheets he created are still in use today.
Family and friends were Felix's passion and delight. But a core of his being was his public servitude. In 2010, Felix returned to the Clifton Town Council and, in December 2013, was elected mayor. During his work as mayor, he worked endlessly, striving to improve public safety and making sure Clifton's voice was heard in issues not only affecting Clifton, but of the county, the state and the country itself. He saw success in public safety by helping establish a quiet zone in South Clifton to cut down noise from passing trains, to banning the use of cell phones and hand-held devices while driving. He oversaw multiple public works projects that opened trails, beautified parks, and gave new life to buildings and areas that once laid dormant. In late 2017, he made sure that Clifton's voice was heard, when he stood with the council in support of the Coronado Trail and was defiant at the possibility of its closure.
Being mayor did not go to Felix's head at all. He always made himself accessible. Every day, you could find him down at PJ's, drinking his iced tea, and holding "meetings" at his "table of wisdom." Tablemates would include lifelong friends, to newcomers, to filmmakers, to state representatives. Always staying humble but confident.
Felix leaves behind an indelible legacy.
Felix was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by: his step-brother, Stewart J. Ritchey, of Bowling Green, Ky.; son, Douglas Callicotte, of Phoenix; and daughters, Dawn (Tim) Quintero, of Safford, and Victoria (Clyde) Callicotte-Cornelius, of Green Valley; six grandchildren, Alexandra, Francesca and Gabriella Callicotte, Michael and Sarah Quintero, and Thomas Cornelius; nieces, Josephine (Ritchey) Faulk, of Portland, Ore., and Cathy Ritchey, of Phoenix; and a number of other relatives and close friends.
A celebration of Felix's life was conducted Saturday morning, April 7, 2018, at 11 a.m., at the Clifton American Legion Post #28.
There will be a private graveside service for immediate family members at Ward's Canyon Cemetery in Clifton at a later date.
Arrangements were provided by Vining Funeral Home.
Online condolences can be left on Felix Callicotte's Memorial Tribute at www.viningfuneralhome.com.
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Advertisement
