Carlos Camacho's Obituary
On October 2nd, 2023, our beloved Carlos Camacho Sr. passed away peacefully at the age of 71. Carlos spent his last days with family, at his home away from home, on the island of O’ahu, Hawai’i. Carlos is survived by his life partner and wife, Maria T. Camacho; son Ramon Camacho; his cherished grandchildren Malina, Aviana, Zaiyara and Antonio Camacho; and daughter-in-laws Juliana Roliz (mother of Malina, Aviana and Zaiyara) and Myra San Nicolas (mother of Antonio); predeceased by son Carlos Camacho Jr.
Carlos was born in Oakland, California, on January 26th, 1952, to father Atanacio Rivera Camacho, and mother Vicenta San Nicolas Camacho. As one of 10 children, from a young age Carlos’ life was guided by family island values. While not the eldest child, his commitment to Ohana afforded him the honor, and responsibility, of serving as an unofficial patriarch to the expansive Camacho family.
On August 19, 1978, Carlos married his lifelong partner and best friend Maria Thamy. A few years later, Carlos, Maria, and Carlos Jr. welcomed Ramon to the world and their family was near completion. They settled in east Contra Costa County and raised their family in Pittsburg/Bay Point, CA. They then moved to Antioch, CA, where they have called home for the past 13 years. Carlos and Maria experienced the joy and gift of becoming grandparents with the additions of Ramon’s daughters, Malina, Aviana; and Carlos Jr.’s son Antonio, and with them ushered in a new and wonderful joy to their lives.
Shortly after Antonio’s birth, Carlos’ Ohana also endured the tragic and unexpected loss of his eldest son, Carlos Camacho Jr. Through it all, Carlos and Maria remained devoted, united, and inseparable in all aspects of their shared lives. Their almost annual trek to Hawai’i and spirit of Aloha was truly symbolic of their marriage – the perfect mix of family, culture, and their unconditional commitment for one another.
Carlos served in the United States Navy from January 1975 to October 1977. After being honorably discharged, he spent his career with Pacific Bell Telephone Company (later AT&T). While family remained his top priority, Carlos also had many interests outside of his work. A large part of his life was dedicated to youth sports. Carlos was a respected baseball coach and umpire.
He served as a founding member of California District 4 Umpires Association, where he provided the vision and leadership that grew it into the organization it is today. He was well known for his love of Oakland-based teams, namely the
Raiders, Warriors, and A’s. As Raider season ticket holders, he and Maria were anchors for River Cities Booster Club and Raider tailgating, where his marinade/secret sauce was legendary. Carlos also had an impressive collection of sports memorabilia that displayed his love for his favorite teams and players.
Another gift Carlos developed and shared with the world was his culinary talents. This gift perfectly aligned with his love and commitment to family. Whether you were invited over for dinner, sharing a holiday meal, holding a special event, or tailgating before a game – like his brothers Johnny and Norman – Carlos’ dish was going to be the highlight of the meal. He was extremely generous with his gifts, offering countless hours preparing meals for friends and family alike. Carlos honored his roots by serving up food that brought joy to all palates. In recent years, Carlos took up gardening with the help of brothers Norman and Victor. He grew tomatoes, eggplant, chili peppers and herbs that he used in his culinary masterpieces. His cooking was in large part the glue that held our family together.
Carlos’ example is reflected in his sons, grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. It continues through the lives and deeds of those that he touched. While his loss leaves an emptiness in our hearts, his legacy will guide us like a bright beacon illuminating the path forward for future generations. He will forever be remembered as the embodiment of a proud and dedicated Chamorro family man, and we are united to carry on his legacy through the family he made and met along the way. Aloha Braddah Carlos, until we meet again.
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