Antone "Tony" Camara, age 94, of Fall River and Somerset passed away in peace at Charlton Memorial Hospital on Friday, January 2, 2009. Mr. Camara's equal partner throughout his career is his wife, Victoria (Mello) Camara. He was born in Fall River on October 18, 1914, living there until moving to The Inn at Clifton, Somerset, MA in November, 2006. He is the third of six children born to and raised by Manuel and Deolinda (Pereira) Camara at 834 Eastern Avenue in Fall River's Flint neighborhood.
As was the case with many from his generation, Mr. Camara left high school to assist his parents with carrying out family responsibilities. At age fifteen Mr. Camara began his career in the grocery business with his uncle, Manuel "Jim Perry" Pereira of Perry's Market on Alden Street. Uncle Jim is credited with being the major influence in Mr. Camara's business life.
During World War II Mr. Camara left the grocery business to work at the Kaiser Shipyard in Providence, Rhode Island. At the end of the war, Mr. Camara and his Uncle Jim bought Miller's Market on Bedford Street. One year later Mr. Camara bought out his uncle's share of the business and changed the name from Camara & Pereira's Market to Five Star Market.
In 1951, circumstances caused a major move in Mr. Camara's career as he closed the Five Star Market and purchased the Robeson Food Mart on Robeson Street. After three times expanding the Robeson Food Mart, changing its name to the Robeson Super Market and affiliating with the Independent Grocers' Association (IGA), Mr. Camara in 1982, retired and enjoyed a well-deserved and active retirement here in Fall River and in Barefoot Bay, FL.
He was a parishioner of Holy Name Church and a former parishioner of Espirito Santo Church and St. Anthony of Padua Church. Mr. Camara was honored by the Fall River Grocers' Association and served the Association as a past President, Treasurer and longtime member. He gave much of his time and talent to make it one of the best grocers' associations in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Also, he was a Charter Member of the Knights of Columbus, an Honorary Board Member of the Children's Home of Fall River on Robeson Street and a contributor to many charities and religious organizations. He was recognized by local, county, state and national governments for his outstanding service to his customers and community at his retirement.
Besides his wife of Fall River and Somerset, he is survived by two sons, Attorney William G. Camara and his wife Vivian of Swansea and City Councillor Steven A. Camara and his partner, Gordon J. Santos, of Fall River. Also, he is survived by his son-in-law Paul Vital of Norton, his sister, Clotilde "Tillie" Costa of Berkley, MA. His sisters-in-law Gloria Camara of Fall River, Ann Camara of Barnstable, and Mary Camara of Harwich. Additionally, he leaves his beloved grandchildren: Joseph T. Camara of Port Orford, OR; Keith M. Camara & wife Kristine of Boca Raton, FL; Kevin M. Camara & wife Bridget of Springfield, MA; Lisa M. Bertuola & husband Larry of Wayne, PA; Jennifer C. Green & husband John of Clinton, MA and many great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was the father of the late and dearly beloved Joan V. (Camara) Vital, a former mathematics teacher and director of technology in Norton, MA Public Schools. Also, he was the brother of the late Manuel, Wilfred, John, and Edmund Camara. Tony Camara loved life and particularly, his family, friends, Church and community. He is remembered as a kind, generous and loving gentleman.
His funeral will take place from the MANUEL ROGERS & SONS FUNERAL HOME, 1521 N. Main St. TUESDAY at 9:00 A.M. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in Holy Name Church, Hanover St. at 10:00 A.M. Interment in St. Patrick Cemetery. Calling hours MONDAY 4-8 P.M. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Espirito Santo School Development Fund, c/o Espirito Santo School, 143 Everett Street, Fall River, MA 02723 or the Joan V. Vital Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o 26 Wilbur Street, Norton, MA 02766 or the John & Pauline Pontes Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o 224 North Marion Street, Fall River, MA 02723.