Joseph Cipriano Camarillo

Joseph C. Camarillo, age 52, suddenly. Cherished son of Felicitas "Mary" (nee Lopez) and the late Cipriano "Joe" Camarillo; beloved brother of Rose (Steve) Bodie; loving companion of Dawn Greer.

From the time Joe burst onto the scene as a wide eyed teenager in Chicago’s far south suburbs, the fate of so many was destined to profoundly improve.  His passion and appetite for all music was a mixture of childlike wonder and scientific precision, with each newly discovered track duly dissected and catalogued. It was this devotion and knowledge, along with his breathtaking original talent and huge loving heart, that drew such a vast and varied cast of lifelong friends and admirers to him.  

As a bandmate, one would be carried by the sheer power, confidence and musicality of his drumming. He was the sun around which we would all revolve - holding us together whilst exuding a genuine warmth with that beaming smile.  As a friend, he would validate that song you loved which was a guilty pleasure, by finding and appreciating it’s positives - just as he found the good in all around him. This kind and gentle spirit was matched equally by his uplifting ability to make others laugh, no matter what the situation.  

Joe was unique in many ways, but above all else he lived life on his own terms.  He never lost that fierce enthusiasm that comes with youth, always excited and always thankful for the opportunity. He was a survivor too. Whether fighting without complaint through the painful physical barriers that often threatened to thwart him, or somehow coming through another bout with his old nemesis punctuality, just in the knick of time. It was this internal strength that convinced us that it would still just be a matter of time before he shook this latest crisis off, and climbed back behind that kit again.  

Although his next adventure with us here was not to be, he has left us with a wealth of happy memories and an impressive lifetime’s work - not only in his recordings, but by his inspiration to others. Remembered primarily as a magnificent drummer, he was also a guitarist, pianist and glorious singer. His legacy above all else will be his ability to make everything so much better, not just music, but life itself.  

Among those of us lucky enough to have called him bandmate and brother are: Number 9, Gear, Pruno, Hushdrops, Waco Brothers, Skull Orchard, Dollar Store, Kelly Hogan, Paul Burch, Derek Hoke, Rosie Flores, Bad Luck Jonathan, Siderunners and NRBQ.

Resting at the Adduci-Zimny Funeral Home on Friday, January 29th beginning at 3:00 p.m. Chapel Service at 7:30 p.m. with the Reverend David B. Krolczyk, Presiding. Interment Private. 

Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the Visitation will be limited to only (20) people at any given time.  All visitors must register in advance (see below) in order to attend the Visitation. In accordance with local, state and national mandates, those entering the funeral home are required to wear a face covering. Due to the number of people who would like to pay their respects, we ask that you make your visit a brief one in order to allow all who would like to attend a chance to do so. The family appreciates your sincere cooperation during these very challenging and difficult times.  If you do not feel well, it is recommended that you stay home and rest.

Additional information (708) 385-0634.

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