Ben Camera passed away suddenly on Friday surrounded by family. He was born and raised in Pittsburg and graduated from Pittsburg High in 1953. He attended ECCJC for two years and then served in the army for two years. He worked at Dow Chemical for 35 years before retiring. He and his wife, Gen, moved to Cayton in 2005. Ben was inducted into the Pittsburg Football Hall of Fame in 2016. Ben spent many hours in his shop wood crafting and used his skills to benefit non-profit organizations. He played in the Pittsburg and Clayton Bocce Leagues for more than thirty years. He was an avid Bay Area sports fan, enjoyed his crafting projects, working in the garden and reading. Spending time with his family brought him love and joy.
Ben and Gen were married and became one in Christ on November 9, 1957 at St. Peter Martyr Church in Pittsburg surrounded by family and friends. They recently celebrated their 60th Anniversary. When asked how he met Gen, Ben was quick to say, "I rolled over in my crib and there she was!" Ben is survived by his wife Gen, daughter Lenore (Bob), sons Bryan and Kevin; son Dennis (Lisa), children Andrew, Amanda and Jason; and son Kent (Mina), sons Giordano and Gianni. He was preceded in death by his parents Andrew and Mamie, and his siblings Salvatore and Josephine.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 31,2018 at 4pm with a vigil 6:00pm. Funeral liturgy Thursday, February 1, 2018 at 11:00am both days at St. Bonaventure Church, Concord.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made in Ben's name to Hospice East Bay, 3470 Buskirk Avenue, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523