Carmelo Camacho

1932 - 2025

Carmelo Camacho

Mar 9, 1932 - May 5, 2025

Carmelo Camacho Guidicelli, 93, passed away peacefully at home in Hammond, Indiana, on May 5, 2025, with his loving wife, Miriam, by his side.

Carmelo was born in Guayanilla, Puerto Rico, to Maria Giudicelli and Carmelo Camacho Arroyo. At just 17 years old, he left his homeland in search of opportunity, enlisting in the U.S. Army and ultimately settling in the South Chicago community in Chicago, Ill. He proudly served during the Korean conflict, an experience that shaped his lifelong discipline and strength of character. Carmelo lived a full and vibrant life defined by his keen ability to keep pushing forward and to always see the positive in every situation. A self-taught carpenter, Carmelo ran a successful home-improvement business for many years, known for his skilled craftsmanship and tireless work ethic. He had a naturally inquisitive mind and a passion for learning new skills - whether he was taking apart and fixing a dryer, installing his own home CB radio antenna, building outdoor furniture, or crafting handmade decorations for Christmas. Carmelo was never idle; he found joy in learning and creating, always with a sense of pride in doing things himself. He loved fishing, camping with his RV trailer, dancing, and listening to traditional Puerto Rican music. He was a passionate fan of baseball, world history, geography, and everything connected to his Puerto Rican heritage. Outside of work and hobbies, he was a proud member of Veteran's Legion Post 369, and the Latin-American CB radio club "Los Bucaneros." He was also a man of faith, and served as a dedicated Salvation Army Soldier for the last 18 years.

Carmelo was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Rafaela, Ana, Susana, Carmen, Juan, Julia, and Iris Leonor; his sons, Carmelo Jr. and Jose L.; and stepson, Luis. He is survived by his beloved wife, Miriam; siblings, Teodoro and Anita Camacho; children, Janet (Luis), Julia, George, Suzanne, and Carl (Megan); and step-children, Kristy and Daniel. He was the proud grandfather of Abie, Luis, Angela, Ferdinand, Maritza, Anthony, Victoria, Rebecca, Antonio, and Carmelo; and step-grandfather to Julianna, Lissette, and Luis. He also leaves behind many wonderful great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Visitation with the family will be Monday May 12, 2025, from 4 to 8 p.m., at Burns-Kish Funeral Home, 8415 Calumet Ave. Munster, Ind. A funeral service will take place on Tuesday May 13, 2025, at 10 a.m., at the funeral home. Interment will be at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, Ill., at 1 p.m., following the service.

Carmelo will be remembered for his joyful personality, and unwavering love for his family, friends, and Puerto Rican roots. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the East Chicago Salvation Army in his honor.