John J. LaCamera Jr., of Marblehead, Mass., passed away peacefully on Nov. 17, 2025. He was 90.
Born in Boston in 1935, he was the son of the late John J. LaCamera Sr. and Ida (Benedetto) LaCamera. He graduated from B.C. High and attended Huntington Prep and Northeastern University.
Mr. LaCamera proudly served in the U.S. Army in Germany, where he played for both the 7th Army football and baseball teams, touring much of Europe. He often said, "I was lucky enough to have great duty."
After completing his military service, he returned to Boston and joined the International Union of Operating Engineers as an equipment operator, working on numerous construction projects throughout New England. He began his career with his family's Cambridge-based company, John LaCamera Construction Company, which specialized in utility, water, sewage and drainage projects.
In 1961, he and his wife, Ann Marie, founded Contractors Equipment Guide, a construction publication. He ran the publication for approximately 45 years until 2007, when he turned to Ed McKeon, founder of Construction Equipment Guide, whose company owned several construction publications nationwide. Believing McKeon's company was well positioned to guide the publication into the future, Mr. LaCamera sold Contractors Equipment Guide in the spring of 2007. He continued to work as a consultant of CEG for several additional years.
Ted McKeon, president and publisher of Construction Equipment Guide, recalled working with Mr. LaCamera during the transition.
"Transitions like these can often be difficult, but working with John provided CEG an opportunity to expand our reach throughout New England, both with readers and advertisers, and I remain grateful for that."
Brooke Tyler III, president of Tyler Equipment, also shared his memories.
"Through the years, a lot of people pass through our lives," he said. "There are some great ones and some not so great, but there are very few superstars, and I consider myself very lucky to have known John. His positive attitude, sense of humor and great stories always warmed the room. We'll miss John, but we all have great memories, and I'm blessed to have called him a friend."
Mike Drewnoski of Milton CAT knew Mr. LaCamera for more than 45 years.
"I first met John when I worked for Joe Mendes in the mid-1970s, when John owned Contractors Equipment Guide, and we had been best of friends since," he said. "John was a great family man, and I knew his family very well, spending many nights at John's house. He also knew all the great Italian restaurants in Boston. He was one of my best friends, and I will miss him dearly."
Mr. LaCamera took deep pride in the life he built with Ann and their children. Among his fondest memories were his days at B.C. High, where he formed lifelong friendships; raising his children in Newton; summers spent on Cape Cod; and winters in South Florida. He especially cherished time shared with his extended family and close friends, whose presence brought him joy throughout his life.
A natural storyteller, he never missed an opportunity to share a memory or spin a tale. His family said he had a gift for holding an audience and making ordinary moments unforgettable.
He leaves his children: Kari Roads and Michael Herrick of Haverhill; Christine and Donald Burnett of Salem; Carolyn Anderson of St. Augustine, Fla.; and Michele LaCamera and David Buckley of West Falmouth; as well as his brother, David LaCamera. He also leaves many cousins, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren: Ryan and Thomas Roads (sons of Daniel Roads); Marion and Koriana Burnett; Brandan Anderson; Megan Pruett; and great-grandchildren Luna and Maverick Anderson and Joseph Pruett.
He was predeceased by his wife, Ann Marie; his children, Diane and Joseph LaCamera; and his sister, Lorraine Marino.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to B.C. High School, 150 Morrissey Blvd., Boston, MA 02125. CEG
