Anthony John James Camodeca
(85 years old)
Anthony John James Camodeca, a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, and self-taught versatile skilled craftsman, passed away on September 1, 2025, at the age of 85. He is survived by his two daughters Gina Camodeca and Jennifer Camodeca Marx (Nicholas), his five grandchildren Grace Speranza, Bruno Camodeca-Scmitz, Callodine Camodeca-Scmitz, Violet Marx and Alexander Marx, and his three great-grandchildren Gloria, Nova, and Irene Speranza-Packer; along with his two brothers Perry Camodeca (Nancy), Frank Camodeca (Jeanne) and step-sister Ida Savino (Tom).
Born on July 20, 1940, Tony lived a life defined by hardship, resilience, determination and curiosity. Tony's mother died when he was a young child, a loss that influenced and impacted him his whole life. He started learning HVAC systems under the guidance of his father in their family-owned business in Chicago, Illinois, a career start which also had its challenges. True to his resilient nature, Tony built upon this start and turned it into a lifelong pursuit of mastering every possible skill, all self-taught – electrical, plumbing, building, appliance repair, roofing, etc.
In 1976, with little more than some library books, a boundless work ethic, grit and tenacity, he moved his family to Wisconsin into one of the first homes he ever built and started a construction business. Over time, Tony's business AJ Contractors, built, remodeled and repaired many homes in the Lake Como and Lake Geneva Wisconsin area each standing as a lasting tribute to his hard work and ingenuity. Tony took pride in cultivating skills in others and teaching them, some went on to build their own careers with what he taught them. Tony also had loyal customers for decades, many of whom became his close friends.
Tony's love for the outdoors was woven into the fabric of his life. He spent every moment he could hunting in the woods, casting a line on a quiet lake, hiking rugged trails, snowmobiling on freshly fallen snow, and gliding across still waters in a kayak. Often bringing his beloved dog and his camera with him, Tony's home was full of artful photographs from his adventures.
Equally at home in the kitchen as he was in the wilderness, Tony had a love of cooking and vegetable gardening. He cooked everything from scratch with no recipe to box in his creativity. Tony had a way of turning a meal into a celebration, with good food, a bottle of red, and his favorite 'tunes' playing in the background. As his daughters remember it, "There was always music playing".
Despite his sometimes gruff demeanor, Tony was sensitive, caring and did his best to help his friends and family. Tony lived his life his way, paving his own path, and to the beat of his own drum. He was truly one of a kind.
Visitation Saturday September 13 from 1:00pm until 3:00pm at Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral Home, 10280 N. Pt. Washington Road, Mequon, WI 53092.