Jose "Harry" Caminero

Jose Caminero, affectionately known to family and friends as “Harry,” passed away surrounded by the love of those whose lives he touched.

Born on March 31, 1951, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Harry was the son of the late Isaac Gross and Luisa Caminero. He grew up in Boca Chica, Dominican Republic, where he began working at a very young age. Although he left school after the eighth grade, his determination, strong work ethic, and natural ability allowed him to build a successful and meaningful life.

In 1977, Harry moved to Puerto Rico. Two years later, he relocated to New York City with his cousin Mema, whom he loved and regarded as a sister. He eventually settled in Jersey City in 1993, where he became a familiar and beloved presence in his neighborhood.

In 1984, Harry founded Harry’s Auto Body. Through hard work, dedication, and perseverance, he built a successful business that he proudly operated until his retirement in 2021. He was independent, self-reliant, and always true to his word and his beliefs. Becoming a United States citizen in 2007 was another proud milestone in his life.

Harry faithfully began each morning by reading the Bible. His faith guided the way he lived and treated others. He was extremely generous and was always willing to offer his time, skills, or assistance to anyone in need. With his wonderful sense of humor, friendly nature, and love of conversation, Harry could talk and laugh with everyone he met.

He enjoyed preparing Sunday meals for his family, watching horse races and New York Yankees games, playing the lottery, and taking long walks through his neighborhood and around the city. Harry also found great peace in nature. He enjoyed feeding the birds, gardening, and tending to his many fruit and vegetable plants. Even when he was not at his business, he could usually be found working on a project around the house.

Harry will be deeply missed by his loving companion, Mary Ortiz; his children, Jenny and her husband Carlos, Edward and his wife Marina, Wilson, Emmanuel, Moises, Harry J., and Harry A.; and his stepchildren, Patricia, Daniel, and Kevin Ortiz and his wife Mayoli. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Devian, Katlen, Winifer, Yailin, Yakeilsy, Ruben, Emma, Keyden, Keitly, Zoey, Shane, Nyellie, Giovanni, Jocelyn, and Niobe.

Harry is also survived by his goddaughter, Angela Robinson; his sisters-in-law, the late Miriam and her husband Larry, Lorraine, the late Debra, Katy, Lynn and her husband Anthony, and Elmira; and his brothers-in-law, the late John and his wife Dorothy, David, Paul and his wife Shernita, Peter, and Timothy and his wife Lori. He also leaves behind a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends. Harry was predeceased by his beloved siblings, Irene and Jose Miguel.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Optima Care Fountains and Greystone Hospice for the compassionate care and support they provided to Harry throughout the past two years.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Riotto Funeral Home & Cremation Company, 3205 John F. Kennedy Blvd. Jersey City. (For GPS navigation, it is best to use our parking lot address: 14 Stagg Street). Interment will follow at 12:45 p.m. at Rosehill Cemetery, 792 East Edgar Road, Linden, New Jersey.

The family would like to thank everyone for their prayers, kind wishes, and support during this difficult time. Although Harry will be dearly missed, the lessons he taught, the values he instilled, and his unbreakable spirit are forever imprinted upon those he loved. He will continue to live through them and remain forever in their hearts.