Obituary

Angel Luis Claudio, Sr., age 65, of Hammond, Indiana, passed away on Thursday, June 5, 2025, in Munster, Indiana. Born on June 26, 1959, in East Chicago, Indiana, Angel was the beloved son of Cesareo and Maria (Carrion) Claudio.

A proud graduate of Lew Wallace High School’s Class of 1977, Angel answered a higher call by serving in the United States Marine Corps, a testament to his discipline, strength, and unwavering sense of duty. He dedicated over 30 years of his life to U.S. Steel, where his brilliance and creativity as an engineer led to a pending patent-just one example of his constant drive to improve the world around him.

Angel married the love of his life, Karen Friday, on August 10, 2024, at LaPorte Missionary Church-a place that became a meaningful part of their shared journey of faith.

Beyond his professional achievements, Angel was a man of many passions. He found peace and joy in nature, especially while camping, hiking, or casting a fishing line. He was an avid cyclist, often seen riding with determination and a smile. A true tinkerer at heart, Angel loved working with his hands, fixing things, and exploring how gadgets worked. He also enjoyed quiet evenings watching movies, sharing laughs and stories with his family.

Angel’s greatest pride, however, was his family. He leaves behind a legacy of love in his six children: Angel (Kristi) Claudio Jr., Michael (Kate) Claudio, Ashleigh (Corey) McCullough, Matthew (Emily) Claudio, Andrew (Katie) Claudio, and Micaela (Jackson Riley) Lewis. He is also survived by the mother of his children, Brunilda Claudio, and his cherished grandchildren: Cannen, Leila, Chyler, Chandler, Cesar, Reese, Ella, Oli, Zion, and Hayes, who brought immense joy to his heart.

Angel is also remembered fondly by his siblings: Pedro Claudio, Juan Claudio, Luis Oscar Lomeli, Carmen Hernandez, Ismelda Maldonado, Auilda Trujillo, and Elizabeth Claudio. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Ramonita Claudio-Figueroa.

To know Angel was to know a man of quiet strength, unshakable faith, deep intelligence, and boundless love for his family. His presence brought light and comfort to every room he entered, and his legacy will live on in the many lives he touched.

A funeral service for Angel will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, June 13, 2025, at Edmonds & Evans Funeral Home, Portage Chapel, 6941 Central Avenue, Portage, with Pastor Steve Galloway officiating. Visitation for Angel will be held prior to the service from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow the service in McCool Cemetery, Portage. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.ee-fh.com.

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