Augustus “Gus” John Camelio, Esq. passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 14th, 2022.

Augustus was born on August 5, 1932 in Cambridge, Massachusetts to the late Angelina (Fabrizio) and the late Salvatore Camelio. He was the second of 5 siblings – 3 sisters, Ann Marie Dell’Anno ( and her late husband Dominic), Carolyn Camelio, and Corinne Hickey ( and her husband Thomas), and one brother, Dennis Camelio (and his wife Linda).

Gus was born during the Great Depression and at a very young age, he worked odd jobs including repairing shoes and hats to help support his family. As a young boy, he served often as an altar boy and developed a deep connection with his Catholic faith. He attended St. Francis school and graduated Valedictorian of his class.

Following grade school, Gus spent the summer before his freshman college year on a ship traveling to Canada and South America, learning the ropes as a Merchant Marine. Upon his return, he began his liberal arts studies at Boston College, preparing for his continued education at both Suffolk University and New England Law School. He obtained a law degree in labor relations, following in the footsteps of his father who began the first rubber worker’s union in Massachusetts and served as president of the AFL-CIO. Gus was greatly influenced by his father’s dedication to the minority and under privileged worker.

After law school, Gus was appointed as the Assistant Attorney General by Attorney General Edward Brooke. This is where he would meet the love of his life, Judith Ann Ierardi. Their love story unfolded with Gus asking Judy to obtain a permission slip from her mother to be able for him to take her on a date as he was 11 years her senior. She obliged and the two began their love story that lasted for 62 years. They were married on August 1st, 1970.

Gus and Judy welcomed three children- 2 daughters, Andrea and Maria, and son, John Augustus. Gus was deeply devoted to his family. He loved building and spending time at the family cabin in the white mountains of Franconia, New Hampshire where he found solace from the hustle and bustle of city life. He also enjoyed listening to his countless collection of records and introducing his family to the likes of Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Ella Fitzgerald and many other great Jazz artists. He religiously attended his children’s sporting events, usually the only fan in the stands in a suit, tie, and dress shoes. He was the greatest cheerleader and motivator not only to his own children, and later, to his grandchildren, but every child on the team.

As his children would grow and marry, he would welcome 2 sons-in-laws, Chuck Karimbakas, and Patrick Waldt, and his daughter-in- law Erin (Coyne) Camelio. He loved them unconditionally and generously shared his love and life with them. He also showered endless love to his siblings and their families, including his beloved six nieces and nephews, Steven and David DeMarco, Christopher Ierardi, Michelle (Ierardi) LeBlanc, Alexander Camelio, and Rebecca Shanahan.

After his tenure as Assistant Attorney General of Boston, he opened his own private law practice while simultaneously serving as General Counsel of AFSCME, Council 93 where he worked tirelessly for 33 years. He went on to establish and become the General Counsel for L.A.W, Labor Advantage for Workers, until his retirement at age 85.

His appointments by Governors Volpe, Sargent, and Dukakis included that of the Consumer Council, Special Commission to study and make recommendations for changes in the Workers’ Compensation Law, and the Workers’ Compensation Task Force, respectively. He also served as the Chairman of the Workers’ Compensation Section of the Massachusetts Bar Association. For many years, he was on the faculty of the Institute of Industrial Relations of the Archdiocese of Boston as well as on the faculty of Industrial Relations at Holy Cross College. Gus was also the President of both the Sons of Italy and the Italian American Charitable Society. Gus’ most esteemed achievement was being honored by the Catholic Labor Guild of the Archdiocese of Boston as the recipient of the prestigious Cardinal Cushing/Reverend Gavin S.J. Award in 1990.

When Gus became a beloved “Papa” in 2003, the center of his life was always his 4 grandchildren, his “SWEETHEARTS”, Emily and Kate Karimbakas, and Madeline and Sara Waldt. He spoiled them with love, kindness and generosity, and provided endless words of wisdom and encouragement.

Gus lived each day according to his deep Christian values of love, faith, forgiveness, charity. He leaves a legacy of love and a lifetime of cherished memories with his family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Saint Agatha Church, Adams Street at Brook Road, Milton on Monday, August 22 at 10:30AM. Relatives and friends invited. Visiting hours at the Dolan Funeral Home, 1140 Washington Street, DORCHESTER LOWER MILLS, Sunday, 2-5PM. Interment Milton Cemetery.

Donations may be sent in Augustus’ memory to St. Jude’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105