Joe Camara

Joe Andrade Camara, a beloved husband, father, and avo passed away on May 18, 2022, in Modesto, California. In his final days, he was surrounded by his devoted wife of 57 years and his three children and their families.  

Joe was born on April 27, 1938, the first of four brothers, to parents Emilia and Manuel Camara on the Azorean Island of Santa Maria. Joe’s unprecedented work ethic began at the young age of 18, where he worked as an engineer’s aide at the Santa Maria airport, followed by serving his country for two years in the Portuguese military. Joe then fulfilled his career dream of working in the police force by attending the police academy in Lisbon, Portugal and working as a police officer for four years in the Azorean Island of San Miguel.
 After immigrating to the United States in 1965, he dedicated his career to the Gallo Glass Company and retired in 2000.

Joe’s Portuguese heritage was important to him as he was a member of MPPA, IMDES and the Luso American Fraternal Federation. He spent countless volunteer hours serving these organizations including leadership roles as President of MPPA and State President of Luso. His personal interests included watching NFL football, attending sporting events, working on jigsaw puzzles and doing home and garden projects. Joe’s favorite meal of the day was breakfast and in retirement, he loved to meet his friends out for breakfast. His most valuable time was spent with his family and grandchildren whether it was traveling with them, attending family gatherings or watching his grandchildren in their activities.  

Joe is survived by his loving wife Mary, his two daughters, Diane Camara of San Francisco, CA, Lia Edwards and husband, Herm of Carmel, CA and son Dean Camara and wife, Rocio of Modesto, CA, his grandchildren, Jared Camara, Marcus, Gabrielle and Vivian Edwards and Andre and Olivia Camara and 1 great-grandchild Londyn. He is also survived by his brothers from Ontario, Canada, Joao (Maria Eugenia) and Angelo (Armenia) and sister-in-law Maria Helena of Taunton, MA. He had many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews as well as friends who loved him dearly. He is preceded in death by his parents Emilia and Manuel Camara, his son Dennis and brother Antonio.

We have been blessed to call Joe husband, dad and grandfather. We love him, miss him deeply and he will remain in our hearts forever. He was a man of faith and we will take comfort in knowing that the perpetual light is shining upon him.

Recitation of the Rosary will begin at 11:00 AM
Funeral Mass to follow at 11:30 AM  on Friday, May 27, 2022, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church located at 1813 Oakdale Road, Modesto, CA, Committal to follow at St. Stanislaus Catholic Cemetery, 1141 Scenic Drive, Modesto, CA.

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