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Paul Camera Obituary

Paul George Camera Nov. 3, 1935 - Nov. 12, 2010 Predeceased by father Dino Camera and mother Teresa Daveggio. Loving husband of Barbara Camera. Devoted father of Paul Jr. (Yvette), Dino, Mia, Nina (Rodolfo). Adoring grandfather of Justin, Ava and Domenic Camera, Kasey Hernandez and Enzo Ocio. Also survived by dear cousins Richard (Donna) Camera of Redwood City and Eugenio Camera of Chiavari (GE) Italy. A wonderful friend, colleague, teacher, coach and mentor, Paul was a graduate of Saint Ignatius High School, Stanford University and Hastings Law School. He was an accomplished athlete as well as an acclaimed attorney. His love of coaching football at various high schools, especially Marin Catholic, brought him much happiness. A Requiem Mass will be celebrated on Dec. 11, 2010, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Sebastian's Church, 373 Bon Air Road in Greenbrae, California. Private family services were also held. Charitable contributions in honor of Paul can be made to Marin Catholic High School / Paul Camera Scholarship Fund (675 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Kentfield, CA 94904), or to the charity of your choice . McAvoy-O'Hara Co. (415) 668-0077

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Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Nov. 21 to Nov. 22, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Paul Camera

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Melodie Ratto

November 16, 2020

Paul, Mia, Dino Nina and Barbara. My heart goes out to you for your loss. Your dad was a great man and accomplished great things. Please find healing in knowing that so many people are thinking of you at this time. With Love, Melodie Phillips-Ratto

August 20, 2011

Coach Camera was my Pop Warner Football coach during the 1970's. He was an extremely compassionate man and it was a pleasure having him as a coach. My deepest sympathies to my teammate (young Paul). Your husband/father was an outstanding man and made big a difference in the lives of many young boys (including me). With my deepest sympathies, John Teeling, Billings, Montana

Ed Olvera

January 17, 2011

Just received my latest issue of the Marin Catholic Alumni magazine and was saddened to hear the news that Coach Paul Camera had passed away. He was a wonderful coach, successful lawyer and most of all a great Dad.

I was not the best player on any of the teams that he coached me but he always made me feel as important as any of the other players. I admired him for taking the time from his busy life to go out and be a coach. He will be missed and I am so thankful that he was a part of my life.

Jack Taylor

December 29, 2010

Paul was a wonderful and inspirational teammate at Stanford. He was known by his nickname, "Twinkle Toes" because of the way he ran on and off the field. He was a primary force in knocking Ohio State out of their number one ranking with their Heisman Trophy winner, Howard Cassidy.
He represented me in my divorce, and as impressive as his win was for me, it was overshadowed by the manner in which he treated my ex with such dignity and respect.
He will be sorely missed by all at the future Stanford footbal reunions.
Jack R. Taylor

Ron & Madelaine Schwartz

December 18, 2010

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Susan Markrack

December 18, 2010

We were simply devastated to hear of Paul’s passing. This was a gentleman who touched our lives, our minds, our hearts and our very souls. He entered into our lives on a professional basis, with his crusty exterior and marshmallow filling. He wormed his way into our hearts with his passion, his intelligence, his humor, and his colorful vocabulary, as he fought with every ounce of his being, for our rights. Along the way he expanded our minds and our hearts. He earned and commanded the respect of not only all who knew him, but even those who just encountered him. He was a presence to be reckoned with. We feel honored to have known him, worked with him, and most of all, through all this, to be able to call him our friend. He raised the bar for all others who may wish to follow in his footsteps. He will forever live on in our hearts and our souls, and we will never forget all the valuable lessons he taught us. He is now in a place where he will win every case, coach every team and win every game that he plays in.

Susan and Kiki

Toni Shroyer

December 14, 2010

The one and only ITALIAN STALLION! Seeing him in courtroom was like being a part of a Hollywood movie. Paul was a force of nature---tall, handsome,vocal, funny and smart.
Several years ago there was an "abandoned" brief case left in the Marin County court house. This was after 9-11 so it could have been a bomb. The BOMB SQUAD from the East Bay was called,and hours later the mechanical denotator carried the brief case to the empty parking lot and the authorities blew it up. Come to find out, it was Paul Camera's briefcase that he left there! It made front page news of the Marin IJ the next day.
My favorite line of Paul Camera's when he saw newspapers strewn about:
"This house is turning into a landfill!"
When I first met Mia at the UCLA Tri-Delt House I saw a picture of this gorgeous couple--and of course it was Paul and Barbara.
Paul loved his family. He will be forever missed and never forgotten.

Michael and Jennifer Casper

December 13, 2010

Paul had tremendous influence on me as a football player and person.Paul knew how to reach kids and get the best out them. I could always tell that it wasn't always about winning for Paul. Paul loved socializing and being around the guys. We loved being around Paul even when we made a mistake and he let us know it. I'm thankful I got to talk to Paul last April and introduce him to my daughter. You'll be missed Paul. Go wildcats. Mike

David D'Ambrosio

December 13, 2010

Coach Camera was a fantastic man, coach, mentor, and friend to me over the last ten years. I was so saddened to hear about the passing of a man that was truly larger than life.
I met him for the first time as a shy 14 year old quarterback at Marin Catholic and that first year under his tutelage was a life changing experience. He was everything you could want in a coach. He was tough, but fair, intimidating yet totally disarming and relatable despite a fifty year age difference. He also possessed a brilliant offensive football mind. That year I learned many important things: how to command a huddle, how to best stretch a defense vertically, and an extensive vocabulary of Italian curse words.
As my high school and college career progressed he was proud of my success in a fatherly type way and I loved how our relationship and conversations matured over the years of frequent steak dinners at Marin Joes.(Never trust someone who orders their steak well-done was one of the many lessons he imparted on me). Through his words and actions he was a man of unwavering principles and loyalty and expected that of the people in his life.
We shared countless hours of stories and laughter over the years and he will forever live on to me through his sayings, phrases, and witty quips, most of which are inappropriate for print, but have all somehow found their way into use in my daily life. I feel so fortunate to have had the special relationship that I am proud to say we shared.
My deepest sympathies to Barbara and all of his children. Thank you so much for sharing your husband and father with the thousands of young men that he profoundly impacted over his decades of coaching.

December 12, 2010

Barbara- Both Bob and I are so sorry to learn of Paul's death. Our deepest sympathy to you and the whole family in this time of loss.
Kathy and Bob Goldsmith

Dustin Niglio

December 12, 2010

Paul had a way about him that commanded respect. He was a great coach and leader. He had a profound impact on my life as a young adult. Paul saw the best in me at a time when others did not and as a result I gave him my best on and off the field. I'm sad to hear of his passing and wish I could have thanked him for having such a positive influence on me. Rest in peace coach. You will be remembered.

Renee Marcelle

December 11, 2010

I had my first trial against Paul 19 years ago and it was gruesome but we both won I guess if you call getting half of want you want a win. The last was a year ago at this very time. It went on for many days. Paul was a tenacious advocate, extremely funny at times and a formidable opponent. He will not be forgotten, my prayers go out to his family.

Janet Nogara

December 10, 2010

40 years of recollections of Paul Camera -

First (in the courtroom) Wow! Handsome, immaculately dressed, well-spoken and confident.

Through the years - no one fought harder for the benefit of his clients. And no one wanted him at the opposite table. A tough interrogator.

Recently, he was looking forward to more time with his lovely family, simplifying his life. No more angst of litigation. Maybe more acting - coaching? What a shame!

I was so fortunate to have been his court reporter and his friend. My condolences to his lovely family. Janet Nogara

Nathan Hegedus

December 9, 2010

An appreciation from Sweden ... a great man who transcended football and taught me about balance and success and confidence.

http://nathanhegedus.wordpress.com/2010/12/09/a-man-who-might-make-football-worth-watching/

Arlene Doris

December 8, 2010

How sad I was to learn of Paul's passing this morning. I called his home to share a funny story with him and his wife told me what had happened.

I worked with him as a receptionist at the law firm where he worked. How much fun we had! We shared a fondness for old tunes and and laughter was always a part of the day. I was lucky enough to keep in-touch with him during my travels- sort of 'pen-pals'. How fun it was to receive lengthy, hand-written letters on legal-canary-paper.

We always sang the Peggy Lee song that was so appropriate for so many situations: Is THAT all there is?

The big P will definitely be missed.

Jonathan Hirsch

December 7, 2010

Coach Camera's passion for mentoring young men knew no bounds. He would go to the ends of the earth to help one of his players, pushing them and guiding them to heights they would never have reached without him. He was a fantastic mentor and coach. I will miss him.

~Jonathan Hirsch
Head Football Coach, Redwood H.S.

Rick Davey

December 7, 2010

Coach Camera was a great Coach with a fantastic zeal in his approach to the offensive side of the ball. I will remember his bold character, great sense of humor and outstanding passion for his players and the game. He was a fine Man and a Great Coach. He will be deeply missed by his players and Coaches alike. I am a better man for having known him.

Susan Capper

December 3, 2010

I was deeply saddened to hear of Paul's passing. Paul Camera was my attorney for the past 12 years. He was always so kind, protective, and "fatherly". He was always concerned about me and my children. I believe he cared because he was so devoted to his own family. He was a great man and a great advocate, and he will be missed.
My deepest sympathies to his wife and children.

December 1, 2010

It was sad to read of Paul's passing. He and I were good friends in elementary school (SJMA) in Belmont. We learned how to play all the sports together and played football in the 1st and only "Santa Claus Bowl" in San Mateo. Our prayers are with you during this time.

Peter Pors Saratoga, CA

Tyler Grossman

November 30, 2010

PC was a legend in every aspect of his life. I know that 2 of his greatest success' are his bright, beautiful and loving daughters Mia and Nina! Love to all the Camera's.

Vic Obninsky

November 30, 2010

I saw Paul catch passes at Stanford when I was in junior high school. I later knew him as a colleague and discovered we were fraternity brothers. He practiced family law, but retained his perspective and sense of humor. I send my condolences to his family.

Steve Everhart

November 29, 2010

I had the pleasure of meeting him only once, lunch with Nina and his bride on the roof of the Hotel Washington, overlooking DC. Warm and engaging, clever and funny. We will light a candle for him at Mass this weekend...Steve Everhart (Cairo)

John Yavorsky

November 27, 2010

I never knew Paul Camera in a litigious sense...and I am thankful for it. I only knew of him as "Coach". But after reading a few of your remeberences, rest assured, he was an equally astute Captain of the Gridiron. I guess what I mean to say is that I never felt "we" couldn't win the ballgame, whatever the odds, as long as Paul was calling the shots. As silly as that may sound, it was an important lesson for me. I can still clearly hear his voice in my head 22 years later...and I am better for it. As a young man, Paul always made me to believe I could do more...I could do better. Thank you Coach PC. My sincerest condolences to the Camera Family for your loss.
AMT1 John C. Yavorsky
United States Coast Guard
Kodiak, Alaska

Mike Russell

November 25, 2010

Paul and Barbara were the greatest neighbors anyone could have. Paul was smart, generous, and a true Californian. He was modest, letting others take credit for some of his stellar accomplishments. He was someone to look to for sound thinking and trusted advice. Paul will always be remembered. Barbara, I am so sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Mike Russell

john james

November 25, 2010

he was a great guy

November 23, 2010

My dear friend Paul was as much a tiger as he was a lamb. As his hairstylist and friend for more than 20 years I am grateful to have known this man of substance. He was devoted to his family and Barbara was his ROCK! I will never forget and forever miss him. Lynn Bicknell

Cindy Roby

November 23, 2010

I am writing this note in my house in Sausalito. Twenty five years ago when I was divorcing my husband, I told Paul who was representing me that I wanted to stay in this house long enough to raise my sons. It would be a steady dependable base for them. Paul understood. He made it happen.

Just one example of the savvy and success he brought to a difficult time. I am so thankful that he was my advocate.

Barbara Kauffman

November 22, 2010

When I arrived in Marin in 1999, Paul taught me how to litigate and fight the valiant fight. I will be forever grateful for that.

He was an extraordinarily learned, often controversial, and always extremely witty original amongst the ordinary.

I share the regret that Paul never really had the opportunity to retire and enjoy the quietude with family and friends that he longed for.

Rest in peace, my friend and mentor Paul Camera.

Eric Sylvester

November 22, 2010

Reflecting upon my work with Paul brings fond memories to my mind as well as a smile to my face. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing, but was glad that I got to know him as well as I did in the short amount of time that we spent together. I could easily tell that he was a great man. My only wish is that he could have enjoyed more of his retired life that I know he worked so hard for. My deepest sympathies to Barbara, Lucy and the entire Camera family at this time.

Rob Vallee

November 22, 2010

I'm so truly sorry to hear of Mr. Camera's passing. My thoughts and prayers the the whole family. He was always such a class act. He will be missed. Damn!

Janice Mansfield

November 22, 2010

With Deepest Sympathy

Oak Dowling

November 22, 2010

My sympathy to the family. I loved acting with Paul in "The Crucible" at College of Marin. His voice was a marvel. I remember him well.

Tracie White

November 22, 2010

My sympathies to the entire family.

Helen Hayes

November 21, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with the family. When I was thirty years old and my husband had just died, it was Paul who helped me with all of my paper work and got me headed to Switzerland to live with my four year old daughter. He was the best prepared, the snappiest dresser, and a decent smart man. He will be missed in the legal community and by all who knew him. Helen Hayes, Ross, CA

Melodie Phillips

November 21, 2010

Barbara, Paul, DIno and Mia.. My prayers are with you at this difficult time. Paul was a wonderful man and he will be greatly missed. with sympathy
Melodie Phillips and family

Ret. Judge Gary Thomas

November 21, 2010

Paul was one of the finest attorneys in California. He was a true gentleman, and a snappy dresser. A real loss to the legal community of Marin. I am sure God is listening to a great argument by Paul and enjoying it.

Jennie Moreci

November 20, 2010

With my deepest sympathy. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

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