George C. Camara

WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA-George Camara, 75, of West Springfield, Mass., died March 1. He was the son of the late Francisco and Rose (Rodrigues) Camara. He was the husband of Catherine Camara of Westerly, R.I. Born in Mount Vernon, N.Y., he grew up in Bridgeport, Conn., graduating from Warren Harding High School in 1953. After three years in the Army, he attended Southern Connecticut State University, graduating in 1961. He earned his master’s degree from Northeastern University in Boston and his Ph.D from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. He began teaching English at Westfield State University in 1964, and enjoyed a career of more than 30 years as a professor, teaching American literature, film and writing courses. He leaves his wife and his brother, Manuel, of San Leandro, Calif. He is also survived by his daughter, Christina Camara, son-in-law Michael Dawson and two grandsons, David and Blake Dawson. His daughter, Celeste Camara Hornbeck, lives with her husband, Scott Hornbeck, in Folsom, Calif. He also leaves numerous extended family members and friends. Visiting hours are from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, March 6 at the Gaffney Dolan Funeral Home, 59 Spruce St., Westerly, R.I. A funeral mass is scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday at the Immaculate Conception Church, 111 High St., Westerly, R.I. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Boys and Girls Club of Bridgeport Inc., 102 Park St., Bridgeport, CT, 06608, or Operation Smile, 6435 Tidewater Drive, Norfolk, VA 23509. New England Funeral & Cremation Center, LLC 25 Mill Street, Springfield, MA is assisting the family with the local arrangements. For expressions of sympathy please visit www.nefcc.net