Royal Lee Chamberlain

He leaves behind his wife, of almost to the day of 51 years, Sandra; daughter, Tina Martin (Charles), and daughter, Lea Chamberlain-McCrary (David). Forty years ago he accepted as his own, Chay La (Hue) and Cuong La (Hung). He also leaves behind 7 grandchildren: Kaydra, Chelsea {Chay}, Scott, Austin, Brandon (Audrey), Dylan, Connor and great-granddaughter, Karliah; and 4 adopted grandchildren: Austin, Donald, Justin, and Cody.

He was predeceased by his parents Lois and Floyd Chamberlain, his sister, Ruby Naylor, and a granddaughter, Aonica Chamberlain.

Royal loved doing medical photography and started at the VA hospital in Palo Alto, CA. He did the major photography on the first heart transplant that took place in the United States, while working there. He then entered ROTC and was commissioned in the US Army serving for 10 years in ordinance. He would move from his last base to Rochester, NY where he would go on to work as a medical photographer at Strong for 20 years, while also running his own business, Royal Photography, on the side. Upon leaving the U of R that would became his full time job. He loved taking pictures, getting the right angle, telling jokes to get people to smile, loved his church - St. Monica’s, and cats.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Monday, January 3, 2022, from 4-7PM at the Alvah Halloran & Son Funeral Home, 2125 Chili Ave., Rochester, NY 14624. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00AM on Tuesday, January 4th, at St. Monica’s Church, 831 Genesee St., Rochester, NY 14619. Inurnment will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery with Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the VA or to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.alvahhalloranandson.com for the Chamberlain family.