Carmel Camilleri (aka Chuck, Charlie, and as all the Maltese knew him Chauf, Chauf) was born in Xaghra, Gozo, Malta February 16, 1934.

During World War 2 his family had to sleep in a cave because of all the bombing from the war. The islands were wanted because of their location in the Mediterranean Sea.

He grew up with three sisters and two brothers on a farm.  Being very religious he donated to the church nearby Ta' Pinu Church all his life. He wore his godfather's picture French Talarp on his necklace along with a beautiful cross his dear niece gave him.

At 17 years of age he came to America on the SS Independence. His brothers came before him and sponsored him.  His first job was at Hygrade Meat Packing. After a few months he realized it was not his cup of tea.  He decided to try being a waiter at Chrysler Corporation where he excelled.  He started at the Book Cadillac where he became a top notch waiter and was sought after to serve presidents, queens, kings, movie stars and all of importance that came to town.  Later he married Ursula and acquired four Palace Fine Food Restaurants.  They were very successful because of his hard work.  He was a diligent man when it came to work. He had many jobs later in life, Pine Lake Country Club included.

He loved to go back to Malta to see all of his family and friends and swim in Ramla Bay and the Mediterranean Sea in the salt water.  He enjoyed going to the Maltese Club here as a past time.  Cooking was a favorite and he made many Maltese dishes. He was a gracious host to many at his home.  In 1996 his beloved niece and husband came to America for 5 weeks and he took them to Chicago, Niagara Falls, on the snow train up in Canada and all over the city of Detroit.  Seven years ago his nephew from Malta Freddie came for a visit.

He was a very creative man.  At his house on John Daly he shaped a shrub into a basket which was beautiful. He especially loved gardening flowers and vegetables.  He called himself a farmer.  He loved his car most of all and made sure it was spotless.  He enjoyed traveling and the casino.

Of course dancing was a passion of his throughout his life.  He hooked up with Arthur Murray as soon as the boat docked in America.  He was a kind gentle man who always wore a smile for all to see.  He almost always was dressed complete with a tie to suit the occasion.  He never complained about pain and was easy to please in his later years.  His musical choice was opera.  Andrea Bocelli, Pavarotti, the Three Tenors are a few he enjoyed in person but played them constantly in his car.

His goal for the past several years was to reach 90 years of age.  He had a birthday party in the group home he was in to celebrate which made him very happy. The very next day his health declined and within six days he went to be with the Lord.  He will be missed by his wife Barbara who took care of him for seven years at home.

Visitation Saturday 2 pm - 8 pm with a 7 pm Rosary at the John N. Santeiu & Son Funeral Home. Burial will take place on Monday 11am at St. Hedwig Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Alzheimer's Association.