DR. SAMUEL JOHN CAMARATA

Camarata, Dr. Samuel John January 7, 1919 to January 30, 2011 He helped make the world a better place. Dr. Samuel J. Camarata, a husband, father, grandfather, sibling, uncle, cousin and friend to many, passed away peacefully in his sleep at 92 years of age on January 30, 2011. Dr. Sam, to all that knew him, and Papa to his beloved family, was born in Union Town, PA on January 7, 1919. He attended the University of Pittsburgh where he received both his Bachelor of Science Degree and Medical Degree. He was a member of the Omicron Delta Kappa National Honorary Society, Sigma Chi Social Fraternity and the Phi Rho Sigma Medical Fraternity. He was a member of the Reserve Officers Training Corp during the time that he attended University and Medical School and immediately joined active service in the U.S. Army Air Force upon graduating from Medical School in 1944. Sam married the true love of his life, Rhea Camarata in 1943 and they enjoyed 63 years of joy and love together. They had nine children and together were the best parents anyone could ever hope to have. He served in the U.S. Army Air Force in Europe from 1945 through 1947 and again in Korea during the Korean War attaining the rank of Major. He was awarded the Legion of Merit medal, given to those "who distinguish themselves by exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services" during the Korean War, specifically for his exceptional efforts related to treating those injured during the battle at the Chosin Reservoir. Dr. Sam established one of Southern California's leading Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery practices. He had a heart of gold and a very special place in his heart for children, but he cared deeply for all that he treated. He was a humanitarian, volunteering countless hours to numerous charities and causes, including his teaching as a Clinical Professor of Surgery at the University of California, Irvine. Each Christmas, he and his wife Rhea would review the patients from his medical practice that owed him fees and would choose the most needy to send a Christmas card to forgiving their debts. He was a member of the American Medical Association and a Fellow, American College of Surgeons a member of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons and the Western Thoracic Surgical Association. Dr. Sam was an innovator and highly successful surgeon. He was involved in innovative research and medical treatment for Tuberculosis patients in Arizona as well as a pioneer of cardiovascular and thoracic surgery during its nascent stages in the United States. He was a contemporary of Dr. Denton Cooley, Dr. Michael Debakey and Dr. Christiaan Barnard in the 1950's and 1960's. Together with his partner, Dr. John Salyer, who was a member of the team to perform the first trials of open heart surgery in the country at the University of Minnesota, they performed the first open heart surgery in the Orange County in 1961 at St Joseph's Hospital, and implanted the first pacemaker on the West coast in 1963. During the depths of the Vietnam War, Dr. Sam and his partners were involved in a wonderful effort that included the donation of their skills and services to a frail and special child who was flown from Vietnam to the US where they performed open heart surgery on her at Children's Hospital of Orange County; it was eventually written about in a book published in 1970 entitled Suzie. Dr. Sam loved the outdoors; especially camping with his family, fly fishing, deep-sea fishing and golf. He traveled around the world both professionally and for pleasure. During a visit to Cammarata, Italy, he was given the keys to the city and made an honorary Mayor. After he retired from surgery Dr. Sam pursued his love of business, always associated with medicine, and used his entrepreneurial skills and interest to found and run a number of innovative businesses involved in mobile medical diagnosis and treatment. He worked tirelessly until his eventual retirement in 2007. Dr. Sam touched many with his medical expertise, his compassion, intellect, love and talents and his never ending quest to help and serve mankind. He will be missed more than words can possibly describe by all that knew him, especially his family. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rhea; his parents; 7 siblings; by Tommy Camarata (son) and by Patti (daughter), Gary and Juno Reeves. He is survived by his children, Michaele Joyce (Steve), John Camarata, Dr. Chris Camarata (Penny), S.J. Camarata Jr. (Daryl), Peter Camarata (Debbie - deceased), Celie Schoustra (Hein), Dr. Gerry Camarata (Claudia); and by his grandchildren, Xica Reeves, Taj Reeves, Molly Joyce, Thomas Joyce, Emily Joyce, Sam Joyce, Jeremiah Camarata, Samuel Camarata, Katie Camarata, Meghan Rosen, Wade Yule, Cody Camarata, Heide Camarata, Checca Camarata, Hannah Camarata, Jonathan Camarata, Rhea Schoustra, Anneke Schoustra and Sjoukje Schoustra.