FLORIDA HALF CENTURY AMATEUR SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION

Larry Dodson
Born 4/17/1951
Died 10/13/2023

Obituary: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/larry-dodson-obituary?id=53344502

Larry was passionate about softball. During his years as a member of FHC, he played with, coached, and managed several teams including: Nature Coast Sharks, Globe Trailers, and most recently Brewer Funeral Homes.

For almost 25 years Larry had also been very involved with two senior league softball associations in Spring Hill, Florida. SSIL and WHACS.

Before that he played regular local men's league and tournament softball.

Larry had a great sense of humor and was loved and respected by everyone lucky enough to know him. He will be missed terribly and thought of often by his team mates, friends and family.

Donald "Ish" Camara
Born 3/9/1970
Died 6/14/2023

Donald Allen Camara, known to many as Don, passed away on June 14, 2023, at the age of 53 in Ocala, Florida. Born on March 9, 1970, in San Leandro, California, Don was a passionate, courageous, and loving individual who touched the lives of many.

Don was the beloved son of Bob Camara and Jamie Vargas (Glenn) and the cherished brother of Chris Camara. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Lindsay Seek-Camara, and a loving father to his daughters, Kelsey Carver and Caitlyn Coyne. Don also embraced his role as a stepfather to Paris Masi, Preston Masi, and Kyndall Seek, who all held a special place in his heart.

Don's professional life reflected his love for sports and his strong work ethic. He was a talented Minor League Baseball pitcher and first baseman, showcasing his athletic abilities on the field. Don's dedication to his work continued as a route driver for UniFirst, where he was respected and admired by his colleagues.

Beyond his professional achievements, Don's true passion was his family. He was a supportive and caring father, always present at his stepdaughter Kyndall's Volleyball games and his wife Lindsay’s role as coach. Don's love for softball extended to his own participation in the sport, as he enjoyed playing and being part of a team.

Don's life was characterized by his love for his family and his enthusiasm for spending time on the water. Whether it was fishing, boating, or simply relaxing by the shore, Don found peace and happiness in the presence of both his loved ones and the water. His friendly and approachable demeanor ensured he made friends wherever he went, and his courageous spirit inspired those around him.

Throughout his life, Don's courage and determination were an inspiration to all who knew him. He faced challenges head-on and always sought to make the best of any situation. His loving nature and warm presence will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Loving, courageous, and friendly – these are just a few words that describe Don. He was a beacon of light in the lives of those who knew him, and his memory will be cherished and celebrated by all who were fortunate enough to have been touched by his kindness and love.

Don's family and friends will gather to remember and honor his life, sharing stories of his warmth and love, his courage and strength, and the happiness he brought to those around him.
Don was also passionate about spending time on the water, whether it was boating, fishing, or simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings. These moments brought him immense joy and allowed him to create lasting memories with his loved ones.

May Donald Allen Camara rest in peace, knowing that he leaves behind a world that is better for his having been a part of it.

Don Camara

Donald Camara

Don Camara

John "Jack" Edward Mello
Born 5/8/1948
Died 3/28/2022

Click HERE to watch a tribute video about Jack.

FHC Hall of Famer Jack Mello passed away at home on March 28, 2022, in the presence of his beloved wife and dear friends. He was 73-years-old, and will be missed by all who knew him and the fellowship of FHC.

Jack was born in Providence, RI, on May 8, 1948, to parents of Irish and Portuguese heritage, and grew up in the poor mill town of Esmond, Rhode Island. He attended LaSalle Academy, where he played baseball and basketball, donning his favorite number of “32.” He then attended Rhode Island College for nine (9) years, working to pay for his education costs in an iron foundry, textile mill, pallet factory, Christmas tree factory and as a bartender. His commitment to hard work, attaining goals and a “can-do” attitude was evident throughout his life. Jack’s glass was always half full, and he was undaunted by the challenges life threw in his way.

Jack studied to become a teacher (so he could have summers off to play ball). Disheartened by the students’ apathy, he lasted 4 days before he quit and then bartended full time.

After seeing pictures of Florida’s beautiful blue ocean, and listening to his aunt extoll the wonderful weather, he decided a foray to the Sunshine State was “in the cards,” because he had always hated the cold. He set out after his beloved Red Sox lost in the Series, and cried all the way to North Carolina. He started his career in insurance in 1975. In his job interview, he was told he would have to make 100 cold calls a day, and he would “maybe get 1 or 2 sales.” His response was “I can do that!” Nothing deterred him. Jack loved his work and his clients, always laboring to insure the best possible result for those he served. He expanded his expertise as a financial professional, and counseled his clients to insure secure and profitable retirements. Jack’s compassion and empathy for his clients led to 'round the clock work, but resulted in enormous satisfaction for someone who just wanted to “do the right thing.” His body of work led to his induction into the Insurance Hall of Fame.

Jack was a lifelong sports enthusiast, and he was the “Google” of sport statistics before the internet. He loved to play softball, and was inducted into the Florida Half Century Softball Hall of Fame. Jack played and sponsored many teams, meeting and befriending the players. He not only financed their desire to play the game they loved, but he became their trusted financial advisor and friend for life. Jack was a team player on the field with his teammates and with his clients. There was no “I” in team with Jack. In life and in sports, Jack believed what the great Bambino said: "Never allow the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game."

To know Jack was to know when he entered a room he commanded it – with a twinkle in his eye, a smile on his lips, a handshake, and a story to tell. He was magnanimous, generous, and charitable all in a humble manner. He was bigger than life, but simply cared about others. When you met him, you were his friend? We asked some of those who knew Jack to comment.

"Jack was a special guy that I met over 35 years ago when a teammate brought him to play with my over 40’s National Championship team when we were short. He played well, starting a 35-year relationship. He was a gentleman, and never had a bad word about anyone. He loved the game, and gave a lot of players an opportunity to play the game. The softball community has lost one of the good ones, as the saying goes. Jack is gone from our sight, but never from our hearts."
Ed Rose
FHC Hall Of Fame Member

"Jack Mello, one of the most kind and compassionate man I have ever known. He would give you the shirt off his back, or cash out of his pocket if you needed help. He was brilliant in financial concepts, and loved working with people to help them with all of their financial needs. He had a mind like a steel trap, especially so when it came to the Boston Red Sox, or pretty much any other sports team you can imagine as far as what happened on what day and all of the statistics associated. Jack Mello was a living legend, and he left a legacy of all his accomplishments to all of the people he came across and touched in life. He lives on in the Financial Hall of Fame, and the Florida Half Century Hall of Fame, where he will always be remembered. He left an indelible mark on life that will live on through those he touched. God bless you Jack Mello, we love you!"
Bion Henderson
Coach & Manager Mello Financial

"Jack was the best friend anyone could ever have. He cared about everybody, and as a result everyone loved him. I miss my friend Jack."
Don Bobish
Coach & Manager Mello Financial

"My world changes from day to day, but the love and memory of Jack Mello shall never pass away."
Brain Normandin
Area 4 Director FHC

"Jack Mello was a great friend to FHC, and especially those people in the SE Florida Area. At one time, he had 7 teams that he sponsored. He only played on one of those, so he was a friend and supporter for over a hundred men and their wives or significant others. Most guys are very excited when I call them and tell them that they have been elected to the FHC Hall of Fame. He said, "I can’t believe that. Are you sure I deserve this?" I said he deserved it as much as any person in Florida. He was a Player, a Manager, a Sponsor, and a good man. It can't get any better than that."
Mike Knowles
Chairman FHCASA

In Memoriam