'He would do anything for you': Patrons fondly remember East Dundee bar owner

Bar patrons at Calendo's in East Dundee are fondly remembering bar owner Richard Calendo days after his passing.

Calendo, 78, died Aug. 1 from a blood clot. Funeral services are pending.

"He would do anything for you," said Doug Yarbrough of Elgin. "If you treated him good, he treated you better."

One of 12 siblings, Calendo grew up in Streamwood and graduated from Elgin High School. He was an avid golfer, loved sports and was a fan of Notre Dame's Fighting Irish football.

"He loved the community, and he was friendly to everyone," his son, Anthony, said. "If he could help someone out, he would do it right then and there."

He said his father bought the bar, then known as The Village Inn, in the early 1970s. Two other families operated the bar until 2007. That year Calendo took over the bar operations and changed its name. In addition to the bar, Calendo owned several properties, including apartment buildings, in East Dundee.

Calendo, who often worked behind the bar, was known for taking pride in keeping his business "clean and tidy."

"He loved being here and being behind the bar," said bartender Leo "Dog" Shales, who said working with Calendo was like "working for your dad."

"He just loved his customers and always had great things to say about people."

Calendo is survived by his three children, Anthony, Lisa (Victor) Pena, and Jennifer, three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.