David Norman Camaione

David Norman Camaione, age 87 passed away on April 5, 2026 with his family around him. David is survived by his children, Caron Camaione-Williams (Jeffrey), Cristin “Crisi” Camaione-Russell, (D. Alan), and Colleen Camaione-Edmonston (Christopher); seven grandchildren, Cody C. Williams, Jordan C. Williams, David C. Russell (Amanda Cerva), Joseph “Joey” C. Russell (Kathryn “Katie” Veltman), Jon Patrick Edmonston, Ronald Gabriel Edmonston, and Amelia Mae Edmonston; his older brother Mariano "Mack" Camaione (Irene); numerous nephews, nieces, and several great-nieces and great-nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Judith “Judi” Ann Callinan Camaione after 64 beautiful years of marriage by only two days; his parents Saverio and Amelia Camaione; his siblings Esther Camaione Christie (Robert), Frances Camaione Gebo (Richard), and Richard Camaione (Gerry), and Donna Camaione Bura (George); and grandson, Jake C. Williams.

David was born February 3, 1939, in Watertown, NY, graduated from Watertown High School (1956) where he was an outstanding student-athlete. From 1956-60, he attended The Ohio State University on a wrestling scholarship and eventually received three Ohio State degrees, a BS (1960), MA (1961) and PhD (1969). Besides meeting his wife at tOSU, David’s most celebrated honor was winning the Big Ten 123# championship and the Coaches Most Outstanding Wrestler in 1960.

From 1961-1968, he was the head wrestling and tennis coach for MacMurray College (Jacksonville, IL). Recruiting a number of outstanding student-athletes, he helped create a nationally recognized wrestling program. Staying in contact with many of his 1960s athletes, he established lifelong friendships with so many MAC grads.

From 1969-1980, he was a Professor in Health and Physical Education at Central Connecticut State University (New Britain, CT) where he helped develop a highly acclaimed undergraduate program in Exercise Science. Blessed to have taught nearly 2,000 students, Dr. C served its 1500 faculty as President of the CCSU-AAUP Chapter, was extremely active in statewide professional organizations, and served as chief fitness consultant for several statewide agencies like the CT State Police Department.

From 1980-1997, he was on the faculty of the University of Connecticut first as Department Head of Kinesiology, then Director of the Center for Health Fitness, and even served as Acting Dean of the School of Education. His greatest professional joy was the relationship he built with his 124 MA students and 14 PhD candidates. He took great pride in how they became highly successful leaders in the field of Exercise and Sport Science. Serving students and the university was his chief aim, but David enjoyed extending fitness and exercise to broader communities, writing books and articles, serving as a Principal Investigator for major corporations’ employee healthful living programs, and founding a Sport Science Academy in Hartford. Working with the Departments of Athletics and Residential Life at UConn, he created Fitness Shops in dorms and Hawley Armory and a university-wide Fitness for Life program that served faculty, staff, and students.

Though officially retired in 1997, David continued to advise his MA candidates and two PhD students and ran programs within the Center of Health Fitness until 2002. The legacy of his students continuing his work in exercise science through teaching and consulting was his primary purpose as an educator and an honor in itself.

David was awarded professional honors from state-wide (CAHPERD) and regional (NEACSM) organizations and four Hall of Fame awards: as a MacMurray College coach (1989), as an EIWOA wrestling official (1998), as a wrestler from the Ohio State Athletic HOF (2010) and the NY Section Three (HS) Wrestling HOF (2024). Additionally, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the City of Watertown, NY (2014) and a Professional Achievement Award from tOSU College of Education and Human Ecology (2019).

To enjoy their grandchildren and growing family, he and his wife Judi retired to VA Beach (2002), moved to the Raleigh, NC area (2014), and eventually returned to VA Beach (2021). Dave expressed his love for his wife Judi frequently and had immense gratitude for her who he always credited with raising their daughters and influencing their motherhood. Dave celebrated Judi as the consummate loving and doting grandmother, always ready to help anyone, and he recognized her gifts as a generous supporter of others, a compassionate educator, and a lover of her entire family.

A Celebration of Life for David will occur at a later date to coordinate with his beloved wife Judi. In lieu of flowers, you may contribute to the “Camaione Student Endowment Fund” within the NEACSM Organization at P.O. Box 4474, Wallingford, CT 06498.