It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joseph Camarda (Papa, Joe or Joey), beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He passed away peacefully on April 7, 2025, at the age of 85.

Joe was a proud and honorable Army veteran who served his country with dedication and bravery. His time in the service shaped much of who he was, and his commitment to others remained a guiding principle throughout his life. After returning from his service, he became an even more cherished member of his community, where he carried forward his values of loyalty, integrity, and kindness.

Joe was a dedicated and loving parent to; Vincent Camarda, Maria Lynn Hoebeke (Camarda) (Tom Hoebeke), Anthony Joseph Camarda and Gina Marie Rossi (Camarda) (Bob Rossi), and a cherished grandfather to; James Raymond Jones II, Jennifer Ruth Jones (Brian Inda), Joseph James Hoebeke (Ashley Hoebeke), Thomas W. Hoebeke Jr., Vincent Camarda, Frank Camarda, Rachel Camarda, Anthony Joseph Camarda (Kylie Camarda) and Douglas Reske as well as a proud great-grandfather to Aaron Inda, Joshua Elliott, Taylor Elliott, John Elliott, Joseph James Hoebeke Jr., Reese Josephine Hoebeke, Charlie Szilagyi, Cameron Szilagyi and soon to be, Anthony Joseph Camarda III.

His family was the heart of his world, and he will always be remembered for his quick wit, amazing sense of humor, sarcasm, devotion to his family, and his love for creating joyful memories with those he held most dear.

One of his most treasured traditions was the Sunday spaghetti dinner, a cherished occasion where he gathered his family and anyone else who was in the neighborhood, around the table to share stories, laughter, and of course, his family's traditional homemade spaghetti sauce. These moments were his greatest joy, and they will forever hold a special place in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to ever be in the area on a Sunday.

Outside of family time, Joe found enjoyment in the simple pleasures of life. He had a love for playing the lottery, always hoping for that lucky break, and he was known for his knack with crossword puzzles, challenging his mind daily. Weekends would often find him playing poker with his close friends, sharing good-natured competition and making lasting memories over the card table.

He was also a beloved companion to his cat, Bula II, who brought him much comfort and joy in his later years. Bula II was more than just a pet; she was a loyal friend who kept him company through both quiet moments and lively adventures, always there to brighten his days.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dorothy Ann Camarda, his parents; Vincent Camarda and Frances Providence Camarda, all of his siblings, Tom Camarda, Jim Camarda, Rosemary Mikla, Salvatore Camarda, Gasper Camarda and Prudence Rizzo; his beloved son Anthony Joseph Camarda, his grandson James Raymond Jones II., and his beloved cat Bula I.

Joe leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and resilience. He will be dearly missed by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His memory will live on in the stories he shared, the games he played, and the family he so deeply adored.

Rest in peace, Joey. You will always be loved and never forgotten!

Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, April 11, 2025, at  11am at St. Michael's of the Annunciation of the Lord Parish in Port Austin. There will be visitation Friday morning from 10am until the time of service at 11am.  Arrangements are being handled by the Knoblock Funeral Home in Kinde.