A great man left our world on Aug. 12. Robert L. Cammarata, a devoted father, partner, brother, uncle and friend lost his courageous fight with cancer. Bob, age 69, led a life of integrity and compassion. He made a difference in every life he touched.

He served as Director of Human Services for the City of Taunton for nearly 35 years. During that time, he was instrumental in expanding the city’s services to include the first in-home mental health service for homebound elders, the first Life Line emergency response system in the commonwealth, a substance abuse prevention in local high schools along with so many other worthy programs.

Retirement gave him the opportunity to pursue his passions. He spent many days with his best friend Doug Hendry in pursuit of the perfect antique treasure! Bob and his niece Jill Manning were always on the hunt for that “special” car, classic, or new, it didn’t matter. Retirement also gave him time to spend with his children who he loved more than life. He will be missed by so many people, from his Taunton friends to the Riverside Restaurant folks, to all his dear friends at Parkwood Beach.

He will be remembered for his master craftsmanship in large and small renovation projects, his artwork and, of course, his love of cars. He enjoyed being home with Sandy and their two black labs, Ollie, and Ruby. Often, he could be seen motoring around Parkwood in his golf cart with Sandy and one of his Labs, stopping to talk with friends at every opportunity.

Bob was a member of several social and charitable organizations. Among his favorites were the Sons of Italy Peter B Gay Lodge #540 where he was a Past President and the Taunton Kiwanis. Bob was also a Past President of that great organization.

He is survived by Sandy Kullas, his life partner; his children Robyn Bryant and her husband Mark, of Taunton, Tom Cammarata and his wife, Tita and their children Kimberly and Jeremy; his siblings, Judy Robinson, and her husband Norman of Sandwich, Ruth Drowne and her husband Jim of Buzzards Bay and John Cammarata and his wife Patti of Naples, Florida. He leaves several nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephews along with Sandy’s family who became his own instantly.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit on Friday, Aug. 18 at the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, 2599 Cranberry Highway (Route 28), Wareham from 4 to 8 p.m. Funeral services and burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to: Peter B. Gay Lodge #540 Scholarship Fund, c/o Sons of Italy, P.O. Box 988, Taunton, MA 02780. For directions and online guestbook, visit: www.ccgfuneralhome.com.