Joseph Manuel Cambra Aug. 21, 1926-Feb. 18, 2010 Joe Cambra, age 83, died peacefully Wednesday evening surrounded by family. Born and raised in Santa Clara, Joe attended Santa Clara High, and graduated from Santa Clara University with a BSEE. During WWII, Joe was awarded the Victory Medal, Asiatic Pacific-1 Star, Philippine Liberation-1 Star, and the Good Conduct Medal. In 1951, Joe married the love of his life, Ann Archibeque, and raised a family of 6. Joe and Ann were happily married for 58 years. Joe enjoyed a long career at NASA, Ames Research Center, where he headed the design and procurement of computer systems for the 40- by 80-foot wind tunnel, and was acknowledged for his efforts in the success of Space Shuttle Columbia. In 1981, Joe and Ann retired to Red Bluff. Joe was active in Saint Justin's Church in Santa Clara and Sacred Heart in Red Bluff, as a member of the Stablemates, the St. Vincent De Paul Society, and the Men of Sacred Heart. Joe was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. Always ready with a helping hand for others, Joe designed and helped build houses for family and neighbors, and he built and gave away many computers. Joe enjoyed carving religious figures, writing poetry, was an avid photographer, and loved fishing and camping with Ann. Joe was preceded in death by his eldest son, Joseph Anthony Cambra. He is survived by his wife Ann, son James, daughters Anna Genetiano, Arlene Diebolt and Marie Montoya, and foster son Ronald Lopez, and by his sister Rose Marie Kent, brother Frank Nobriga, and many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He blessed our hearts and we will truly miss him. A rosary and mass in celebration of Joe's life will be held at St. Justin's Church in Santa Clara on Thursday, Feb. 25, 2010 at 1:30 PM.

Published in San Jose Mercury News on February 23, 2010.