NORTH HORNELL-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 requests 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.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit the Dagon Funeral Home.
