Frederick C. “Fred” Campbell – 89 – of 335 Cleveland Ave., North Hornell died early Saturday morning (December 17, 2016) at his home, following a long illness.
Born in the Town of Hornellsville on September 5, 1927, he was the son of Mason & Beatrice (Hulbert) Campbell.
Fred grew up in South Hornell and was a graduate of Canisteo Central School (class of 1945). He was a veteran of the US Army, serving his country from 1946 – 1947, shortly following the end of World War II. As a member of the 2nd Battalion of the 19th Infantry, Fred served with Signal Corp as a switchboard operator, making sure that all calls came in and went out without problems. As part of his duties, Fred would search for members of the Japanese Military (many of whom were hiding in caves) and inform them that the war had ended and that they could return to their homes & families. He was awarded the WWII Victory Medal along with the Army Occupational Medal, Japan.
Following his honorable discharge from the US Army, Fred returned to the Hornell area and never left — not even for vacations or to travel with his family. He simply never left the Hornell area for any reason.
Fred studied to be an electrician and served his apprenticeship with Wilbur Glover Electric. After becoming a licensed electrician, Fred established Campbell Electric which he owned & operated for about 40 years. He retired in 1989 and his son, Fred JR took over the business.
Throughout the years, Fred enjoyed gardening and raising vegetables in his back yard. He took great pride in supplying the Village of North Hornell residents with fresh vegetables. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting & fishing with his sons. He enjoyed being “one with nature” and watching his array of colorful birds.
He was married on August 29, 1951(for 65 years) in St. Ann’s Church to the former Joanne Sydelko who died September 27, 2016. Fred was also preceded in death by his parents, Mason & Beatrice; his brothers, Richard Campbell, Mason Campbell, JR, Norman Campbell and Donald Campbell; his sisters, Irene Pryor and Norma Smith.
Surviving are 1 daughter, Sue Moster of Sunrise, FL; 3 sons, Fred (Laurie) Campbell of Canisteo, Mike (Carolin) Campbell of Hornell and Jim (Kim) Campbell of Alfred Station; his sister, Mary Blake of Palmyra; 7 grandchildren; 1 great-grandson; several nieces & nephews.
At Fred’s request there will be no prior calling hours. Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Fred’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, PO Box 1000, Dep’t 300, Memphis, TN 38148.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
My Family and I have had the honor and privilege to have known the Campbell family for nearly 30 years. Fred and his wife have a great family and we have been treated as part of the family for which we are very thankful and fortunate and honored.
Fred is a one of a kind Man whom over the years I have grown to love and admire. He is / was like a big brother and or a father I never had. I thank Fred and his family for letting me / my family be part of their lives. Fred is a Great Husband, Father ,Father In Law ,Grand Father, Great Grand Father and a Friend and will missed by us all.
To the family I say I too hurt and am so sorry for your loss and I pray that God will watch over you all and Fred and Joanne in heaven. I thank you for sharing Fred with us and I will treasure the many memories both good and bad ,funny and sad over the years… Fred and family I apologize again for not attending the funeral but I want to remember you the last time I saw you …. I LOVE YOU
Jim & Kim and the whole family – Our hearts go out to you and your family at the loss of your dad/grandfather. While 2016 has been a year of sadness and loss – rejoice in the fact both your parents are with the Lord and you will see them again in heaven; they are “home”.
You remain in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless, Cathy J and family
I had the privilage of knowing fred for a short peroid of time while helping him in his time of need I was also able to meet some of freds family it was a pleasure to have met such a loving caring family.Fred will be missed and I extend my greatest sympathies to the family and friends that are left to mourn his loss. May he rip where he is reunited with his wife and no longer in pain!!
I have known Fred and Joanne Campbell for many years. I worked with Joanne at school and had some of her grandchildren in school. She and Fred were two of the nicest, kindest people ever. They were good friends, wonderful parents and all around good people. They will be missed by everyone who knew them. Now they are together and in peace. May God bless them both.
Fred and Joanne Campbell were two of the nicest, kindest people that anyone could know. I worked with Joanne for many years. I had some of her grandchildren in my classroom. Fred worked as an electrician in my home. They will both be missed by all those who knew them, but they are happy together and in peace. God will keep them both in the palm of his hand.