Anna Camarda

Anna Camarda (nee Nicastro) passed peacefully in her sleep August 9, 2023 at the age of 91. Born September 3, 1931 in Palermo, Italy 1931 she was the daughter of Graziella Nicastro (nee Di Marco) and Giuseppe Nicastro, both of Palermo.

She immigrated to the United States in 1948 to be married. She ultimately raised three children on her own while working in New York City’s Garment District as a seamstress. Taught to cook by her grandfather and father-in-law, se owned and operated two successful restaurants in Brooklyn, NY and owned The Starlight Motel and Restaurant in Catskill, NY with her second husband, who was the love of her life. They retired to Palm Bay, Florida in 1981 where Anna made her home until 2019 when she moved to Old Chatham, NY to live with her daughter.

Affectionately known as “Hurricane Anna” by friends and family, she was a strong and fiercely independent woman. Her energy (and voice) filled every room she entered. She was well-known and well-loved – especially for her cooking.

Her beloved husband Carlo Camarda predeceased her in 1988. She is survived by her sisters Gaetana Gentile of New Jersey, Rosalia Mora of Arizona, and sister-in-law Graziella Nicastro of Brooklyn. Also surviving are her children, Maria Cosenza (Jim Johanson), Joseph Cosenza (Paulette Fagone), Mario Cosenza (Kim Poytner), eight grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandsons.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Daily Bread at www.dailybreadinc.org or mail a check to: Daily Bread; 815 East Fee Avenue; Melbourne Fl 32901 attn: Claudia; or donate to your local Humane Society.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.FountainheadFuneralHome.com for the Camarda family.