The College of Science community has been deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Jose Guadalupe Calderón on February 21, 2023 at age 62. Dr. Calderón was the instructional lab manager in UNT's Chemistry department from 1998 to 2022.
A native of Mexico, Dr. Calderón attended Texas Southmost College in Brownsville before transferring to Sul Ross State University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry in 1987. He then moved to Denton where he completed his graduate degrees in analytical chemistry.
As lab supervisor he provided training and assistance in the use of the equipment and is credited in many theses and dissertations over the years, especially for his expertise in mass spectrometry.
Jose and his wife, Alicia Re Cruz, professor of anthropology and director of women's and gender studies, met at UNT, and their three sons are current and former UNT students: Samuel ('20 M.A.); Gabriel ('22), chemistry graduate student; and Daniel, an urban policy and planning major. Over the years, the family created and supported many programs that serve students, UNT and the Latino community.
Dr. Jose Calderon was my Ph.D. graduate student many years ago, where he devised new analytical techniques for the electronic industry. From there he assumed an important position in the UNT Chemistry Department developing and overseeing the laboratory curriculum for Introductory chemistry courses. He has always done an outstanding job with incredible industry with a gracious blend of helpfulness and kindness, as well as outstanding professional expertise. We will miss him dearly, and I will always remember him as a great professional colleague and a dear friend.
-Jim Marshall, Emeritus Professor, UNT Chemistry
Dr. Calderon was an intelligent and quiet spoken man. What I remember most was his kindness and willingness to help with whatever was needed by his colleagues and co-workers. Whether the need involved high tech lab instruments or was moving tables in and out of the conference room, he was always willing to help. His attention to detail was unmatched, even with the specific way the tables fit together best in the conference room. His absence is felt here in Chemistry and he is missed.
-Bonnie Davidson, UNT Chemistry
Back in the first week of September 1987 I was hire for the glass blowing position at UNT and I did not have a place to live and no funds to rent an apartment then I meet Dr. Jose Calderon as he was starting his graduate studies in the chemistry department once I meet him he offer me a place to live with him as a room mate ever since we became best of friends.
-Roger Ramirez, UNT Chemistry
Dr. Jose Calderon was not only one of my best colleagues, but also a dear friend. He had a contagious happiness that radiated from his smiling face. We always supported each other, both at work and in other occasions. However, one of the most interesting things about Jose that sticks in my memory is that he frequently asked me to open his lab door for him when he did not have the key with him. One day, I jokingly suggested that I could start a door-opening business specifically for him, and he agreed to our "verbal contract." Unfortunately, his untimely passing caused me losing a best colleague and friend, and also has taken away the opportunity for me to turn that joke into a reality. Therefore, he should not leave so early. I miss him dearly, and I also regret not having the chance to potentially start my door-opening business.
May he rest in peace.
-Hongjun Pan, UNT Chemistry
A memorial service is scheduled at 1 p.m. Sunday, March 5, in the DeBerry Funeral Directors Chapel at 2025 W. University Drive in Denton.