John Camarena

Celebrating the Life of John “Jerry” Camarena

December 7, 1955 – August 25, 2026

We celebrate the life of John “Jerry” Camarena, a man whose life was defined by faith, family, friendship, strength, laughter, and an incredible love for the people around him.

Jerry was the rock of his family. His home was the place everyone gathered for Kansas City Chiefs games, where there was always plenty of food, laughter, and a great story being told. Jerry was an incredible chef who could cook just about anything. Cooking for the people he loved was one of the ways he showed his love, and many of his family’s favorite memories were made eating his food and watching the Chiefs together.

Jerry was also an exceptional drummer with a lifelong love of music. He took tremendous pride in staying strong and fit and trained every day. Even after years of hard work and wild adventures left him with significant back pain, Jerry never allowed the pain to make him miss his training. That determination and strength were simply part of who he was.

Anyone who knew Jerry knew how funny he was. He was a gifted storyteller who could hold a room’s attention and have everyone laughing. He maintained friendships throughout his entire life and cared deeply about the people around him. His career in sales made him an excellent speaker, but his greatest gift was his ability to truly see people. Jerry listened, he cared, and he made people feel like they mattered.

At the center of Jerry’s life was his Catholic faith. He had a deep devotion to Padre Pio and tried to follow his example of faith and sacrifice. Jerry offered his own suffering for others and, for years, spent hours every day in prayer without missing a day. His faith carried him through life and became one of the greatest gifts he passed on to his family.

Nothing meant more to Jerry than being a father and grandfather. His sons, Dominick and Chase Camarena, will forever be grateful for a father who taught them to be strong, compassionate, and faithful. His grandchildren, Hashim Abdulaziz (Camarena), Abai Lynn Camarena, and Zaia Lynn Camarena, brought him tremendous joy, and he loved and adored them beyond measure.

Jerry, the son of Cecil and Isabelle Camarena, is also survived by his siblings, Anne Korinek, Carlos Camarena, and Gene Camarena, mother of Jerry’s sons, Debra Camarena;  along with many family members and lifelong friends who loved him dearly.

Jerry’s presence was something you felt. He could fill a home with the smell of a great meal, a room with laughter and stories, and the lives of the people around him with love. He will be remembered with every story retold, every Chiefs game spent together, every meal shared around a table, and every lesson in strength, compassion, and faith that he passed on.

For so many years, Jerry faithfully spent hours each day praying for the people he loved and offering his own suffering for others. His family finds comfort in believing that those prayers have now come full circle—that the man who spent so much of his life speaking to God has finally been welcomed into His presence.

Jerry was deeply loved, and the love, strength, laughter, and faith he gave so freely will continue through the family and friends who were blessed to share his life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Padre Pio Foundation of America in Jerry’s honor.

Rosary will be at 6:00pm on Monday, August 31, 2026, Funeral Mass will be at 10:30am on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at Holy Savior Catholic Church.

Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.