Joseph Silva Camara

Joseph Silva Camara passed away, peacefully, after a long battle with COPD, at the age of 85 on November 17, 2024, at Edgewood Center in Portsmouth, NH.
He is survived by his children: Theresa Rochon (husband Jack) of Litchfield NH, Joseph M. Camara (wife Lisa) of Salem, NH, and Eric Camara of Nevada. Grandchildren Nicole Rochon and her fiancé Kevin Richardson, Jordyn Rochon, and her husband Filip Zapuncic, Joseph C. Camara, Anthony Camara, and Alyssa O'hearn. Joseph is also survived by his brother Ronald Camara, many relatives, and good friends. He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 63 years Jane Camara.
Joseph, "Joe" Camara was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts on November 18, 1938, to parents Joseph Camara Sr. and Maria Silva Camara. He was raised in Winchester, MA where he met his beloved wife, Jane. Joe and Jane married in 1959. In 1961, Joe joined the US Army and was ultimately stationed in France where he and Jane resided until 1963 and welcomed their first child Theresa. Joe spent his time in the military as a sharp shooter (Rifle) and in transportation as a truck driver, where he had many adventures. Joe was honorably discharged in 1963 after a severe injury.
Joe returned home where he began working as a truck driver to support his family. Joe made a name for himself in this profession due to his tenacity and ability to get the job done against all odds. Known to his peers and customers as "Zorba the Greek" for his determined optimism. Joe and Jane ultimately built a home in Tewksbury, MA where they raised their three children and remained until retirement.
Joe eventually found his way into the trades as a carpet installer and then into residential remodeling as a partner and co-owner of Webster Construction. Joe and Ron Webster remain friends to this day. Joe eventually started his own contracting business, Camara and Sons Construction. This is where he truly shined as a skilled carpenter, builder and business man. Joe was so gifted at this that many of his customers remained as friends for many years. It would be difficult to drive through the Merrimack Valley and not encounter some of Joe's work. As he approached retirement age, Joe took a position as the in-house carpenter and all-around fixer at the manufacturing company, Tra Con Epoxy, working with one of his closest and oldest friends Tommy Lombardi, until his retirement.
Joe and Jane loved to travel and take many vacations with their children and enjoyed trips to Hawaii with their friends and family. Joe also built a camping trailer from scratch for their family camping trips. They eventually purchased their own piece of Paradise on the lake in Milton, NH where they spent many summers entertaining and making memories. Joe and Jane ultimately retired and made the lake property their home during the warmer months and spent winters in Florida.
Joe enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He was the ultimate entertainer and party host. He always had a joke or magic trick ready to go. Cooking for anyone that would try his one-of-a-kind recipes was one of his greatest past times. Joe also enjoyed hunting with his son and grandson Joey. However, Joe's true passion, and some would say obsession, was wheeling and dealing. He spent countless hours at pawn shops, yard sales, thrift stores and on Craigs List looking to make a deal. It didn't matter who he dealt with or how cheap something was, he would always get it cheaper or he would walk away. Those items eventually made their way to the person he deemed in need of that widget, whether they agreed or not. Joe was also a brilliant handyman that could fix just about anything. His determination and never give up attitude always resulted in something, that would have otherwise been discarded, restored to like new condition. Not many people know that Joe was also a talented artist. Crafting one-of-a-kind gifts for family and friends. These included chess sets, toys and his proud collection of hand-crafted knives, which he spent many hours grinding and polishing to perfection.
Joe was a one-of-a-kind Husband, Father, Grandfather, Friend, Negotiator, and Talent. He will be truly missed.
Friends and family are invited to Calling Hours on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, from 10-11 AM, at the Carrier Family Funeral Home, 38 Range Road, Windham, NH 03087. A Funeral Service will immediately follow at 11 AM, at the funeral home. Interment will follow at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Highway, Boscawen, NH.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the COPD Foundation, 3300 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Miami, FL 33134.
To leave an online message of condolence, please visit: www.carrierfuneralhome.com.