Thomas J. Camera

August 1, 1940, ~ August 21, 2024 (age 84)

Thomas Joseph Camera, 84, of Venice, FL and formally of Rochester, MI, passed away on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, with his loving family by his side.

Tom, the oldest of ten children, was born in Lorain, OH on August 1,1940, to J. Leonard Camera and Margaret Laverne (Diewald) Camera. After graduating from St. Mary's Academy in 1958, Tom obtained a Bachelor of Science in Education at the University of Dayton. At Dayton, Tom met the love of his life, Sharon.



Tom was never afraid of a challenge. He had a variety of occupations, first working as a teacher in Lorain, and then found his true calling as a salesman. Tom never met a person he didn't like. He was a sales manager at Parker Chemical, which then led him to start his own company, QualiChem. QualiChem grew and was eventually acquired, which allowed Tom to retire early. Not one to retire early, Tom then went into real estate with his wife Sharon as the "Home Team" with Century 21. Tom and Sharon were a successful real estate team until 2005.

Tom was a member of Great Oaks Country Club in Rochester for over 40 years, winning several tournament championships with his wife and sons during that time. Tom especially enjoyed spending time with his family in Lorain, his grandchildren, and of course his many friends.



He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Sharon (McPherson) Camera of Venice, FL; sons, Scott Thomas (Elissa) of Alpharetta, GA; Brian Eugene (Kristi) of Orlando, FL; Anthony Leonard (Jodi) of Roswell, GA; and Shane Michael (Marcia) of Weston, FL; eleven grandchildren, Carson, Natalie, Alex, Avery, Riley, Kaitlyn, Diogo, Cassidy, Addison, Clayton, and Ansley; brothers, Jan (Darlene), Mike (Linda), Lenny, and Guy (Kim); sisters, Sandy (Larry) Schuler and Mary (Geno) Taliano; and many nieces, nephews, and loving family and friends.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, J. Leonard and Margaret Laverne; and brothers, William, Shawn, and Larry (Bernadette) Camera.