Calvin Eugene Aldridge III was born December 2, 1999 in Springfield, Ohio and was killed when he was hit by a car on April 5, 2024. As a young child he loved saying hello to everyone and singing with his mother. At age 3 he was wrongfully removed from his mother and endured the trauma of many moves and losses due to the injustices of the child welfare system. During those years he also loved and was loved by many caregivers and families. Throughout Calvin was able to maintain an unquenchable optimism and joy that showed through to all. At 15 he connected with the Gadomski Littletons and at 18 they decided to formalize the relationship through adoption. He graduated from Cleveland Heights-University Heights in 2018 on time, an incredible feat given the many places he had lived and schools he had attended.
Calvin was talented in writing music, drawing, and basketball. He loved singing and dancing. He collected mentors and could find someone to talk to everywhere he went. People were drawn to his incredible resilience, kindness, and sparks of joy. He was incredibly brave— opening himself up to new experiences, people, and relationships despite all the hurt in his past. He had an abiding faith that he was loved by God.
Calvin was preceded in death by his brother Kadar Aldridge and grandfather Michael Gadomski. Calvin is survived by his parents, Sharonda Aldridge and Jared and Danielle Gadomski Littleton; siblings, Rakerm Aldridge, Shyaneia Rogan, Lataisha Aldridge, Demetrius, Jaymir, and Demonta Wells, and Elijah and Micah Gadomski Littleton; and many beloved grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Calvin will have a private funeral and burial in Springfield, Ohio. In addition, calling hours will take place on Friday April 19th from 5-7 pm at Christ United Methodist Church (3625 W. 138th St). A service of remembrance will be held on Saturday, April 20th at 10 am at Christ United Methodist Church. The service will be streamed at https://www.youtube.com/user/ChristChurch75.
To honor Calvin please consider a donation to the Metanoia Project (https://www.metanoiaproject.org/donate) which gave Calvin community and freedom or A Place 4 Me (https://aplace4me.org/donate/) which made it possible for Calvin to have his own apartment, a long time dream for him.