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Born Jan. 2, 1925, he was the son of the late Emma and Yonan Kambar of Yonkers. They were Assyrian immigrants who emigrated from Persia when WWI broke out and entered through Ellis Island.
He graduated from Yonkers Commerce High School in June 1943. On Aug. 27, 1943, he enlisted to serve in WWII. He continued his service in the United States Merchant Marine during WWII until Nov. 26, 1946. During the war, he distributed supplies throughout the Pacific. He also sailed the SS Independence for American Export Lines, out of Manhattan's West Side for many years. He enjoyed telling stories of sea storms and world travel. His stories included travels to Western and Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa and throughout the Pacific Theater.
He had a knack with the Rolleiflex camera, taking many slide pictures and developing them in his own workshop. He could always be seen with a Rolleiflex around his neck and a cigar in his mouth. He was a member of the former Assyrian Presbyterian Church in Yonkers and the Thistle Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Free Masonry. He enjoyed camping and fishing with his brothers and their families on Lake George. He could often been found on the docks of Englewood Beach, Florida, fishing with his grandson, son-in-law and pals. He followed a hobby of sharp shooting, which brought him to work for the City of Yonkers at the Coyne Park Gun Range for 18 years.
He is survived by his wife, Lydia Nicholas Benjamin; three daughters, Ruth Kambar, Carol Kambar and Kim Kambar Carpenter; four grandchildren, Nicole Carpenter, Emily Silvestri, Teresa Silvestri and Maxwell Carpenter; aunt, Jan Darcy; two brothers, Robert (Bobby) Kambar and Kenneth Kambar; and cousins, Roni Wedig, Michele Yohanna Autero and Estelle Vitti Tortora.
Visiting hours will take place Thursday from 4-8 p.m. at Flynn Memorial Home, 1652 Central Park Ave., Yonkers. A funeral service will take place Friday at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will take place at Oakland Cemetery, Yonkers.
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