Thomas Camarca

In his 90th year, Thomas Chiro Camarca passed peacefully at home in his sleep during the Saint Patrick's Day weekend. Tom is remembered by those of us remaining in this realm for his sense of humor, passion for dogs and sports -- especially the Trojans, and his tender love of family. Born in Los Angeles, California, as Ciriaco Gaetano Camarca to Gaetano and Emilia Camarca, he lived most of his life in Southern California. After serving in the Navy, he attended USC and received a bachelor's degree in engineering and spent his career estimating and managing large commercial building projects, including the Blue Whale at the Pacific Design Center in Los Angeles.

In what we consider to be one of the best decisions made in his life Tom moved to Durango six years ago to live near his children. He loved watching the billowing of clouds in Colorado skies, watering the garden, building wood model airplanes and playing Sudoku.

He is survived by the families of his son Glenn Camarca and daughter Sue Camarca Stapleton, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Son, Glenn, and his wife, Sharon, and their daughters Erin Camarca, Katie Camarca and Kyra Camarca Bensik and great-grandsons Colter and Thaden – all of Durango, will miss him immensely, especially on Sunday for our family dinners. Tom was fortunate to have lived in his own quarters attached to the home of his daughter, Sue, her husband, Robert, and their children Cooper, Tess, and Sheridan, and “man’s best friends” Mace and Ripley – all of Durango and all of whom added immensely to the richness of life he so enjoyed during the last six years.

Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Kathleen McHargue Camarca, and their son, Jeffrey Guy Camarca.

No service will be held. Hood Mortuary in Durango is handling cremation and the family will scatter his remains in the coming months.