Albert J. Camut Sr.

Albert J. Camut, Sr.,  93, passed away peacefully at home on February 3, 2023, in Potomac, MD. Born February 12, 1929 in Johnstown, PA, son of Giuseppe (Joseph) and Giuseppina (Josephine) Semola Camuti. Preceded in death by his parents, brothers Anthony, Samuel, Charles, and James; and sisters Christine Paolillo, Rose Pantano, Margaret Camut and Mary Kay Coco, and grandson William T. Camut.

Survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Maylee Joan (McGhee) Camut, and their children: Albert J. Jr. and wife Cathy Camut, of Rockville, MD; Deborah and husband Duke Hoffman of Frederick, MD; Nancee Camuti of Potomac, MD; and Joan and husband Matt Joyce of Chantilly, VA. Grandchildren Michael and Bryan Hoffman, Albert J. Camut, III, Marissa and James Joyce. Also survived by sister Pauline Arcurio of Johnstown, and many loving nieces and nephews.

Al was the youngest of ten children, raised in a loving Italian family. At the age of 7, he learned to play the mandolin. He also played clarinet, saxophone, and was a vocalist. His love of music led him to start his own band. At age 16, he formed his seventeen-piece orchestra where he played various venues across the Johnstown area. It featured his sister Kay as vocalist and brother Jim on trombone. The orchestra was featured weekly on WARD Radio. At age 19, Al enlisted in the Army during the Korean War and was assigned to the famed 304th Walter Reed Army Band in Washington, DC. Al performed for such visiting stars as Perry Como, Patti Page, Debbie Reynolds, Abbie Lane, and Eddie Fisher. During his time in the Army, he met the love of his life Joan, married in 1951, and they had four children. His family was the light of his life! In 1958, Al received a degree in Finance from the University of MD; the first in his family to receive a college degree. He became a successful Stockbroker in Washington, DC., while still keeping music in his heart. During this time, he led a dance orchestra that played at numerous Washington area functions. Al was invited as a guest performer to play mandolin with the National Symphony Orchestra and also was invited to play mandolin in the Opera Otello with famous Tenor James McCracken of Metropolitan Opera fame. One of Al’s favorite performances was at a VIP party where the late Robert F. Kennedy asked him to sing “Volare” three times that evening. Al’s enthusiastic personality, honesty, and charisma carried over to his success as a Vice President at Merrill Lynch, but to Al, he was most proud of his family. A loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother and loved by all who knew him. When you met him, you remembered him. He enjoyed traveling, gardening, and spending time with his family. We will miss him forever.

Al was a member of Our Lady of Mercy Church in Potomac, MD and St. Clare of Assisi Church in Johnstown, PA where a Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, February 10th at 11:00 AM, Fr. James Crookston. Interment to follow at St. Anthony Cemetery, Geistown. Friends and family will be received from 5-7 PM on Thursday, February 9th at Frank Duca Funeral Home, East Hills Chapel & Crematory, 404 Walters Avenue, Johnstown, PA 15904. (Near PA Drivers Center and Armory).

If you wish, memorial contributions may be made to the Carmelite Sisters, Carmelite Monastery, Attn: Mother John of the Cross, PO Box 57, Loretto, PA 15940.

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