Lewiston – Anthony R. Camardese, 85, of Greene, Maine, passed away on Wednesday May 29, 2019 at Woodlands Memory Care in Lewiston. He was born in Ona Aquila, Italy on May 5, 1934 a son of the late Savario and Ida(Rotellini) Camardese. At the age of 13 he came to the United States to begin a new life in America. In 1948, he enlisted in The U.S Navy where he proudly served his country for 20 years until his honorable discharge in 1968. He served during the Korean Conflict and in The Vietnam War. He was a great patriot of this country. In 1948, he married the true love of his life, Janet Hamel. He was a very positive person whose upbeat personality just lit up any room he walked into. He taught his children to never tell a lie and never dishonor their country or family. He earned the distinct privilege to serve as an Honor Guard at President John F. Kennedy’s Funeral Ceremony in 1963 . Upon retiring from the Navy in 1968 as a Senior Chief Petty Officer, he went on to continue his education at The University of Maine where he received his bachelor’s degree in Education with a major in History. He then went on to have a very successful career as a history teacher at Lewiston High School until his retirement. In 1986 he was honored as a Presidential Scholar and traveled to Washington D.C. to personally receive this award from President Ronald Reagan, whom he greatly admired. He was a member of VET 160, American Legion Post 135 and The VFW in Auburn. Beyond all of his achievements, he enjoyed fishing, hunting and gardening and spending time with his grandchildren Anthony is survived by his wife of 67 years, Janet Camardese, a son: Gino Camardese and wife Joan of Greene, Maine, a daughter: Dr. Tonie Crandall and husband Stephen of Pennsylvania, 5 grandchildren: Andrew Camardese, Jenna Sfraga, Stephen Crandall, Julie Crandall, Rebecca Lesagonicz, a brother: Zachary Camardese and wife Amy, 2 sisters: Lucy DeVito and husband Lino, Gemma Colianni and husband Angelo. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a daughter: Julie Camardese and a brother: Vincente Camardese. Donations may be made in Anthony’s memory to: The Alzheimer’s Association, The Main Chapter, 383 U.S. Route 1 Suite 2C, Scarborough, Maine 04074-9843. Visitation will be held at The Fortin Funeral Home in Lewiston on Sunday from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Monday at 11:00 AM followed by committal services at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Lewiston. You are invited to offer your condolences and share fond memories with the family by visiting Anthony’s guestbook at www.thefortingroupledwiston.com. A service of The Fortin Group Funeral Home, Cremation and Monument Services, 70 Horton St., Lewiston, Maine 04240. 784-4584.
