Dr. Robert George La Camera, retired New Haven pediatrician, passed away peacefully and in comfort on Oct. 8, 2021 at 95 years old.
He was born in Warren, Ohio, the second of identical twin sons of Miriam Geis La Camera and Dr. Frank La Camera.
Dr. La Camera attended the U of Cincinnati with a pre-med major, then volunteered for the US Navy. He was stationed in Rochester, NY where he met his future wife, Jean Mariah Cobb. He was reassigned back to the U of Cincinnati for medical school where he “fell in love with Pediatrics.” Upon completing his internship he volunteered as a physician for active duty in the US Naval Reserves, then completed two years of a pediatric residency at the Children’s Hospital of Louisville, KY. To obtain more training he accepted a fellowship in general pediatrics and pediatric cardiology at Yale New Haven Hospital.
Following his fellowship Dr. La Camera was asked by Dr. Morris Wessel to join his well-known New Haven practice (they made house calls) where both physicians also volunteered in hospital clinics and community-based medical programs. Dr. La Camera attended the Pediatric Cardiac Clinic, was Medical Director of Easter Seals Goodwill Industries Rehabilitation Center, Medical Director of Benhaven, medical advisor to Area Cooperative Education Services (ACES), and Medical Director of the Spina Bifida Program at Yale New Haven Hospital. He served on 4 national American Heart Association committees, the national Children’s with Disabilities Committee of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Connecticut state Birth-to-Three Council for children with special needs. He was also faculty of Yale Schools of Medicine and Nursing, and was appointed Associate Chief of Staff for the Department of Pediatrics at Yale New Haven Hospital and President, Medical Staff, Hospital Board. In addition, he was the recipient of numerous awards, including the Carnegie Medal for Heroism.
Outside of his medical practice Dr. La Camera was an avid singer in the choir of First & Summerfield United Methodist Church in New Haven, where he was also a faithful member, and for over 50 years, was a member of the University Men’s Glee Club chorus. He served on the Board of East Rock Institute which provides intercultural experiences. For over 15 years Dr. La Camera participated in the Peace Vigil which was held every Monday at 12 Noon on the steps of First & Summerfield United Methodist Church, praying for an end to war and for peace in the world. He and his wife, Jean, traveled both in and outside of the USA, enjoying over 18 Elderhostel programs, and numerous road trips. He also enjoyed gardening at his plot in the Community Gardens at Edgerton Park, and then at Whitney Center in Hamden where he and his wife moved on 2006. At Whitney Center, he continued his love of music as the head of the Music Committee and member of the Residence Council.
Dr. La Camera was a kind, gentle, caring and compassionate man, and this was reflected in his love of children and their families. He touched numerous lives, gave parents confidence in their parenting abilities and skills, and was a champion for those who needed someone in their corner. He was a great man who led a life of selfless love of others.
Dr. La Camera is survived by his daughters, Patricia La Camera Guida (Paul) and Ann La Camera (Joseph Sacco). He was pre-deceased by his wife, Jean Mariah Cobb La Camera, and his twin brother, Dr. Frank La Camera.
The family will receive friends at the Celentano Funeral Home, 424 Elm St., New Haven CT Friday from 4 – 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 – 10 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 10:00. Interment will follow in Mt. Carmel Cemetery. To leave a condolence, please visit www.celentanofuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to the Responsible Parenting Fund of the Community Foundation of Greater New Haven, which is available on line at the Community Foundation website, or the La Camera-Geis Music Fund of First & Summerfield Uniter Methodist Church, 425 College St., New Haven, CT 06511.