Our brave Joel passed away due to complications from valvular heart disease on February 12, 2014 in Las Vegas, NV. He was a devoted son, brother, uncle, and patriot. Joel was born in Balanga, Bataan, Philippines to Jose Fermin and Cresencia Inton Cunanan Calderon and immigrated with his family to Utah when he was five. He honored both his heritage and that of his adoptive country. Joel graduated from Alta High School and the University of Utah. He was most proud to serve in the United States Army and continued his service to his country in working for the Veterans Administration. He was an inspiration to those closest to him as he faced overwhelming health problems that ended his military career early. Despite his health issues, Joel continued with a positive attitude and had found a new path for himself before he would eventually succumb. We are proud of his accomplishments and of his goodness. He had a friendly, loving nature with all those he cared about. He also had a tremendous sense of respect, honor, love, and devotion to his family-- no one could be more loyal and dedicated to his loved ones, his work, and to his faith. We will miss his infectious, dimpled smile and all the laughter we shared together. Though he was far too young to leave us, he will forever be in our hearts.
Joel is survived by his parents, Jose and Crescencia, his sister, Jean-Margarett (Fraser), his brothers, Julius (Astra) and Joseph, his nephew, Brock, his niece, Amelia, and numerous uncles, aunts, cousins, and second cousins. Preceded in death by his niece, Teresa, and his grandparents.
Funeral services for Joel will be held on Monday, February 24, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 9757 South 1700 East Sandy, UT. Family and friends are invited to call on Sunday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road, Sandy, UT. Interment: Utah Veterans Memorial Park, 17111 South Camp Williams Road, Bluffdale, UT. Please leave online condolences for the family at www.larkinmortuary.com.
