Calvin D. Fain

Cal graduated from Jamestown High School in 1973 and graduated Jamestown Community College upon retirement from the US Air Force.

In 1973, his career took flight as a lifelong airman with the US Air Force. Cal was a 380th Transportation Specialist for four years followed by his pride and joy of being a Loadmaster on the C141 Starlifter for 16 years. Later in his career, along with being a Loadmaster, he was also an air drop school rigger instructor. Cal traveled to six of the seven continents of the World, during his 20-year service career. His airtime amounted to over 6600 hours in the air.

Cal’s love of world foods made him a “chef” in his own kitchen, bringing compliments of various cultures throughout the globe. An avid Harley Davidson rider, Cal rode across the country and found freedom on an open road. Cal was the co-founder of the American Legion Riders Post 556; and was a member of American Legion Riders, Chapter of Chautauqua County where he held the positions of Director, Vice-Director, and Secretary over the years.

Cal was an advocate for anyone and everyone, especially Veterans. A lover of volunteerism, Cal belonged to countless Veterans’ organizations, advocating for the benefits Veteran’s deserved. Truly, he became a resource for all, giving to the community, his friends, and family alike. Every local Veteran’s organization felt the impact of Cal. He was a lifetime member of several organizations including The Samuel L. Derby, American Legion, Post 556, the Sons of Samuel L. Derby, American Legion Post 556, Frewsburg, NY, Robert P. Illig, Disabled American Veterans Chapter 47, AMVETS 726, David L. Woodburn, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 978, Frewsburg, NY, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Chapter 53, Jamestown, NY, and Veterans of Modern Warfare Chapter 20, Jamestown, NY. One of his prized accomplishments was becoming an Honorary American Legion County Commander. Cal also belonged to the Chautauqua County American Legion Color Guard for over 25 years. His duties included paying respect and honoring hundreds of Veterans throughout Chautauqua County.

Volunteerism spilled into other avenues for Cal. He volunteered his time at the Warren CBOC Clinic in Warren, PA, RHJ Elementary School Frewsburg, NY, Washington Junior High School, Frewsburg Central School Board of Education, Flag Education to the Elementary schools within the Jamestown area for over 20 years, the AARP, and the Senior Citizens Group of Frewsburg, and as a member of the Busti Church of God he volunteered his time helping with the Upwards basketball Program and the annual golf tournaments cooking chicken. Cal was always willing to volunteer and help where needed.

Notably, Cal defied odds by living almost ten years with a heart transplant. His zest for life never dampened, and his personality spread throughout his community.

Devotion as a father, grandfather and husband was an unwavering force of compassion. Cal’s kind, generous presence will be fondly remembered by his wife of 35 years, Kelly Sturzenbecker Fain; his children, Tiffany Fain, Shoshanna (Jim) Mueller, and Erika (Rick) Doverspike; his six grandchildren, Daltton Fain, Adalyn Roberson, Kenneth Irwin, Emmelia Irwin, Gwendolyn Doverspike, and Callie Doverspike; as well as his siblings, Robert (Patti) Fain and Valerie Swanson.

Cal’s spirit has now joined his father, General Fain, Jr.; his mother, Dorothy Wonderling Fain; his stepfather who impacted his life, Art Rasmussen; as well as his brother, William Fain.

The family will receive friends and family for visitation from 3-6pm Sunday, June 22, 2025, at Busti Church of God, as well as for one hour prior to the service from 9:30-10:30am Monday, June 23, at the church. The funeral celebration for Cal will be at 10:30am on Monday, June 23, 2025, at Busti Church of God. 996 Forest Ave. Ext. Jamestown.

Living with a heart transplant gifted Cal with many rich years to do good and to love others. In this spirit, the family encourages registration to become an organ donor with a transplant organization. https://www.organdonor.gov

Save a life, gift of life.

To leave words of condolence, please visit lindfuneralhome.com.