Charles A. Caminiti

Charles A. Caminiti of Waltham, passed away on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at Newton Wellesley Hospital surrounded by family. He was 78. 

Born on October 2, 1946, Charlie was the son of the late Charles and Elizabeth (Martell) Caminiti. He was raised in Waltham and a graduate of Waltham High School. In 1972 he married the love of his life, Marcia Dahlin, at Saint Julia’s Church in Weston.

Charlie loved to say he was "one of New England’s most experienced driving instructors", a claim that had the added benefit of being true. He was a driving instructor for over 50 years, first at Cam’s Auto School in Waltham, a business established by his parents in 1945. Following his father’s passing in 1966, he took on the invaluable role of assisting his mother in running the school. Most recently, he loved working with his son who owns and operates Needham Driving School. It’s not surprising his son got into the business after growing up watching his father doing a job he enjoyed. Charlie loved to get out in the community, and he could strike up a conversation with anybody. 

In fact, one of his favorite routines to start his day was going out to breakfast at Mel's Commonwealth Cafe, where he was on a first name basis with the wait staff. And they loved to see Charlie and Marcia walk through the door because they knew they were going to get a good conversation and a great tip! He always wanted to show them how much he valued them, and this was one way he shared his gratitude. 

Family played a significant role in Charlie's life, and many of his happiest moments revolved around time with his family. He was a member of the Swedish Social Club on Wyman Pond in Westminster, where he enjoyed many summers by the lake with the entire extended family. Often, the family would spend a week there in addition to many day trips with his children, and then later his grandchildren, a source of joy and great pride in his life. He also enjoyed getaways to Cara’s home on Cape Cod and Paul’s home in New Hampshire to see his grandchildren, where he would treat them to breakfast, along with trips to Plainridge Park Casino with Marcia.

In addition to his wife Marcia (Dahlin) Caminiti, Charlie leaves his children Cara Caminiti (Steven Krueger) of Easthampton and Paul Caminiti (Katy) of Canton; His grandchildren, Max and Andrew Krueger and Grace, Brady, Gavin, and twins Jaxon and Julian Caminiti; his sister Elizabeth “Betty Jane” Straley (Richard) of Hull; his brother-in-law William Meaney (Kerry); his nieces and nephew, Sara, Erin and Ryan Meaney, along with many grandnieces and grandnephews.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his in-laws John and Grace Dahlin and his beloved sister-in-law Marilyn Meaney.

Family and friends will honor and remember Charlie's life on Friday, October 18th in The Church of Saint Julia, 374 Boston Post Road, Weston, where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11a.m. There are no calling hours. 

In lieu of flowers, please honor Charlie's memory by going out to breakfast and leaving a generous tip for your server. This was a cherished daily ritual for Charlie, who believed in spreading kindness and appreciation. Donations in his name may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research at: www.michaeljfox.org