Bernard Franklin Cameron, Sr.

Bernard Franklin Cameron Sr. “Frank”, 88, of California, MD, passed away peacefully on June 10, 2025, in Callaway, MD. He was a loving husband, brother, devoted father, cherished grandfather, great grandfather, and friend to many. Born on January 12, 1937, in the house that now serves as the rectory at St. John’s Catholic Church in Hollywood, MD, he was a beloved son of the late John Woodrow Cameron and Elizabeth Virginia Long Cameron. He was the loving husband of Catherine Jeanette Abell Cameron. Frank and Jeanette were married on June 6, 1959 at St. John’s Catholic Church. They celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary just days before his passing. Frank will be dearly missed by his beloved wife, Jeanette, and by his children Frank Cameron Jr. and daughter-in-law Sue Cameron, Julie Burgan and son-in-law Jim Burgan, Maria Gassie and son-in-law Ed Gassie Jr. Frank was predeceased by his son Tim Cameron. He will also be dearly missed by his grandchildren Nick Cameron and girlfriend Sheila Tayman, Kirk Cameron, Zack Cameron, Dani Walker and husband Roger Walker, Bryan Darling, Austin Darling, and Jake Darling. Frank also leaves behind his three great-grandsons, Camden Walker, Maxwell Walker and Jameson Walker, who all loved him very much. Frank is survived by his brothers Tom Cameron with partner Mary Dean, and Phil Cameron. He was predeceased by his siblings Joan Wilson and John L. Cameron, and in-laws Dave Wilson, Barbara Mennel Cameron, and Sophia (Sissy) Bowles Cameron, and grandson Bryce Darling. Frank was a lifelong resident of St. Mary’s County and graduated from Great Mills High School in 1955. After high school he enlisted in the US Navy for two years of active duty at Whiting Field NAS, continuing to serve in the Navy Reserves through 1961. Once his active duty ended, Frank returned to St. Mary’s County and worked as a plumber at the Center Gardens apartments in Lexington Park until 1962. He then became a US Government Civil Servant at the Naval Propellant Plant, Indian Head, working as a pipefitter and soon moving on to Andrews AFB until 1966 when he transitioned to the Public Works department at Patuxent River, NAS. It was at Pax River that Frank found his true career footing, working his way up from pipefitter to shop foreman to a planner-estimator position and retiring in 1992 as an Inspection Branch Head. Frank was the recipient of numerous achievement and innovation awards during his storied career. Frank then went on to work at numerous Navy contractor positions at Pax River until his full retirement in 2005. Frank was also a part time tobacco farmer and worked the fields alongside his father and with the help of his sons. Crops of sweet corn and sweet potatoes eventually replaced the tobacco. Frank had a true green thumb which was evident in the landscaping around his home. He was always meticulous about his yard and gardens. He planted a thriving orchard in his yard yielding apples, peaches, pears, cherries and grapes, and bountiful vegetable gardens. Along with being a hardworking man and dedicated provider for his family, Frank also enjoyed being a weekend waterman. He received several awards from the MD Department of Natural Resources for his rockfish catches. More importantly, the time shared with his children, extended family and friends out on the water was what mattered most to him. His sharing of the subsequent bounty of fish and crabs was a great bonus for everyone involved. Even in his retirement years, Frank always stayed busy; idleness was not in his DNA. Frank was an avid Baltimore Orioles fan and faithfully watched their games until his passing. He also enjoyed coaching baseball in his earlier years for St. Mary’s County youth baseball teams. His favorite NFL team was the Washington Redskins and his late son, Tim eventually had him rooting for the Baltimore Ravens as well. The family will receive friends on June 23rd, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. John’s Catholic Church in Hollywood, MD, where a funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM with Father Ray Schmidt officiating. Interment will be private. Pallbearers will be Nick Cameron, Dani Walker, Kirk Cameron, Zack Cameron, Austin Darling, and Jake Darling. Honorary pallbearers will be Maxwell Walker, Jameson Walker, and Camden Walker. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to: Medstar Hospice of St. Mary’s P.O. Box 625 Leonardtown, MD 20650 https://giving.medstarhealth.org/medstarhealth/get-involved/donate/hospice In memory of Bernard Franklin Cameron, Sr. Condolences may be made to the family at www.mgfh.com. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home and Cremation Services, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.