Joseph “Big Joe” Campbell

1937 -2025

Joseph P. Campbell, 88, affectionately known as Big Joe, was welcomed into heaven by his loving daughter, Shelly, on Friday, October 24, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Joe was a jokester with a larger-than-life personality and the best storyteller around.  He loved his wife and children, but no one could touch the love he had for his grandchildren – they were the joy of his life and his forever legacy.

Born in Scranton, PA on July 27, 1937, he was the youngest child born to Joseph (“Slots”) and Jule (Corcoran) Campbell. He moved to Rome as a young child, where he grew up surrounded by family and friends who remained dear to him throughout his life.

Joe was a proud graduate of RFA, Class of 1956. Shortly after graduation, he married his high school sweetheart, Sandra Lazzara, on September 6, 1958, in Rome. He proudly served his country in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany before returning home, where he and Sandra raised their five children.

A man of principle, Joe once refused to cross the picket line early in his career – a decision that cost him his job but reflected his unwavering integrity. Gifted with many talents, Joe worked as a subcontractor for ARA at Revere and later served as Director of Transportation at Griffiss Air Force Base before concluding his career at DFAS.

Joe gave generously to his community, coaching in the Fran Allison League and serving for many years as a basketball and football official. He loved his walks at Lake Delta, fishing, gardening, storytelling, and cheering on his beloved Boston Red Sox and the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Joe is survived by his wife of 67 years, Sandra; his children Joseph (Mary) Campbell, Steven (Kim) Campbell, Kathy (Bill) Dowling, and David (Jennifer) Campbell; and his treasured grandchildren Kevin (Amanda) Campbell, Nicole (Matt) Needham, Brian (Rebeccah) Campbell, Joey (Abby) Campbell, Julia Dowling, Sean Campbell, Maddie Dana, Will Dowling, Brooke Campbell, and Jackson Dana. He was recently blessed with a beautiful great-granddaughter, Tatum Campbell. Joe also leaves behind his brother, James Campbell, his sister, Jeannie Hall; sister-in-law, Katherine Ericksen, and brother-in law, Thomas (Melissa) Lazzara along with several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his beloved daughter, Shelly Campbell Dana; his parents, Joseph and Jule Campbell; his sister, Ann Grande; his niece, Lisa Lazzara Wilcox; and his nephew, Timothy Ericken.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 200 N. James Street, Rome, NY. The family will welcome friends from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the church prior to the funeral mass. Interment will follow in St. John the Baptist Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in Joe’s memory may do so to the Michelle Adey Memorial Fund, 8572 Teugega Pt. Road, Rome NY 13440 or to the Humane Society of Rome, Inc., P. O. Box 4572, Rome NY 13442-4572.

Arrangements are by the Nicholas J. Bush Funeral Home, Inc., 7751 Merrick Rd., Rome, NY 13440

To offer online condolences, please visit www.njbushfuneralhome.com