POOLVILLE – Francis E. Campbell, 95, of Poolville Road, passed away Sunday, March 25, 2007 at Crouse Community Center, Morrisville.
He was born Sept. 25, 1911 in Sherburne, a son of Jay and Carrie Miller Campbell and received his education in local schools. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army from 1943 until 1945, who served in the South Pacific during World War II. He received the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one Bronze Star, as well as bronze stars for battle participation in campaigns including Luzon, New Guinea and Bismark Archipelago. On Aug. 25, 1934, Francis married Hazel R. Shepardson in Poolville. They had lived in Norwich for nine years, and following World War II they moved to Poolville. She predeceased him on June 24, 1986.
Mr. Campbell was the Vice President of Ellinwood Auto Parts in Norwich for over 43 years until his retirement. He was a very active member of the Poolville United Methodist Church where he had held various offices. A civic minded individual, he was a very selfless person and was the quintessential volunteer as shown by his participation in many organizations. He was a member Hamilton Town Board for 37 years from 1954 until 1991; a charter member and the first President of the Poolville Fire Department; a member of the CNY Firemen’s Association where he had served as President and Chairman, and received a certificate of commendation for having served 75 years. He was a member and chairman of the Madison County Fire Advisory Board and served on legislative committees in Albany. He was a 60-year member the F&AM #120 of Hamilton; a member of Grotto #1 of Hamilton; and a charter member, past president, past zone chairman and had 40-year perfect attendance of the Hamilton Lions Club where he received the Melvin Jones Fellow International Award for community service. He was a charter member of the CNY Eye Bank, appointed financial secretary in 1975, and elected each year until 1986. He was a member of the Poolville Community Center; and received the “Roses for the Living” honor in 1983 from the Hamilton Rotary Club. In the free time he allowed for himself, he greatly enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing and hunting.
Surviving are his son, Barry Campbell of Poolville; his grandchildren, Joshua Campbell of Poolville; Shepardson Campbell of Midlothian, Va.; Abbey Campbell and her fiancé Adam Sherman of Hamilton; his former daughter-in-law, Margie Willcox Campbell of Earlville; two nieces, Dawn Karpinski of Tennessee and Reba Bommeljie of Rochester; as well as several grandnieces and grandnephews. A brother, Harold Campbell predeceased him in 1983.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday from the Burgess & Tedesco Funeral Home, 10 S. Main St. Sherburne.
Burial will be in the Poolville Cemetery in the spring.
Friends are invited and may call at the funeral home on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.
Contributions in his memory may be made to the Poolville Community Center, c/o Carol Smith, Poolville Rd., Earlville, NY 13332; the Earlville Fire Department, PO Box 37, Earlville, NY; or to the Hamilton Lions Club.