Walter F. Caldwell Jr., 86, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Silverado Belmont Hills Memory Care Community. Walter grew up in San Francisco with his Irish American family. He was the best storyteller, always regaling friends and family with hunting and military stories. Walt attended Archbishop Riordan High School in San Francisco. Immediately after high school, Walt joined the United States Army, eventually changing branches to the United States Marine Corps. He lived and breathed the Marine Corps motto, Semper Fi, until the day he passed. Walt was a proud veteran. Walt married his best friend and the love of his life, Dorothy, on September 20, 1975, at Saints Peter and Paul in San Francisco. They lived together in Daly City with the first of his many hunting partners, Original Decoy, a feisty black Labrador retriever. In 1980, Walt and Dorothy moved to Foster City, CA where they led a wonderful life filled with hunting trips, pool parties, and dinners around town. In 1981, Walt and Dorothy became proud God Parents to their God Daughter, Melissa. Walt loved being part of her life and taking her out to their favorite restaurant, The House of Prime Rib.

Walt had many passions in life. He loved a good World War II book and never changed the channel when a Western or World War II movie came on the television. Walt shared a passion for the San Francisco 49ers with Dorothy and were season ticket holders for many years. Walt's other passions included hunting, flying vintage WWII airplanes, and shooting - winning dozens of competitions over the years.

Post-military service, Walt was a proud union member of the Northern California Electrical Workers, National Electrical Workers, and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Walt retired early and was active in the Foster City Rod and Gun Club, the Mzuri Safari Club, the Commemorative Air Force, and the Indians Gun Club. Walt and Dorothy never missed a Bay Area Art and Wine festival and happily dined in nearly every Italian restaurant on the Peninsula.

Walt is pre-deceased by his beloved Dorothy, as well as his parents Walter Sr. and Nellie Caldwell. He leaves behind his God Daughter Melissa Dunworth, as well as his children, Walter Caldwell III, Cheri Campbell, and Laurie Clayton, their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Silverado Belmont Hills Memory Care and their staff for taking care of Walt for the last 2.5 years. They would also like to thank Patricia Maxwell and Maxwell's Senior Services for coordinating Walt's care. Finally, they would like to thank First Light Home Care for providing Walt's one-on-one home care.

There will be a viewing on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, from 4-7pm with a Rosary at 6:30 pm at Crippen and Flynn, 1111 Alameda de Las Pulgas, Belmont, California.

Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 11 am at Saint Timothy Catholic Church, 1515 Dolan Ave, San Mateo, California. The burial will be at 1:00 pm at Holy Cross Cemetery, 1500 Mission Rd, Colma, California. Celebration of life to follow.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity.