Obituary of Joseph William Camarata

Joseph William Camarata, 96, of 314 Maplecrest Ave., Lakewood, died Thursday August 21, 2014 in WCA Hospital. A Lakewood resident since returning from California in 1980, he was born March 17, 1918 in Rural Valley, PA the son of the late Ross and Phyllis Schepis Camarata. He was a US Navy veteran of WWII, serving aboard the LCS #59 in the Pacific Theater. For 22 years, he worked as a supervisor at Weiser Lock Co. in South Gate, CA. In earlier years, he worked as a cabinet maker, truck driver, arc welder, artist for Decorlac Co., supervisor for New York State Housing, and supervisor for Cal Auto Parts Co. Joseph enjoyed reading, wood working, making furniture and especially toys for children. He loved spending time with his family, going out to dinner, and traveling with his wife Phyllis to many interesting places in the US. Surviving are his wife, Phyllis Hillyer Camarata whom he married December 30, 1956; a son, Joseph (Betty) Camarata, a daughter, Cynthia Young, both of Jamestown; five grandchildren, Joseph (Krista) Camarata of Jamestown; Debra (Adam) Dowd of Powhatan, VA; Lori (Matthew) Stearns of Lakewood; Kelly Lyons of Florida; Aaron (Latasia) Young of Jamestown; seven great grandchildren, Logan Stearns of Lakewood; Cameron Young of Jamestown; Matthew, Samuel, Zachery Dowd all of Powhatan, VA; Zoe and Lily Camarata both of Jamestown; and a sister, JoAnn Hofmann of Erie, PA. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a great grandson, Alex Dowd; three sisters, Mary Martino, Ida Troyer, and Frances Carnes; and two infant brothers. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday August 24 in the Lind Funeral Home. The Rev Dayle F. Keefer, pastor of Fluvanna Community Church will officiate. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service Sunday in the funeral home. A Committal service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday August 25 at Sunset Hill Cemetery Memorials may be made to the Chautauqua County Humane Society, 2825 Strunk Road, Jamestown, NY 14701.