David L. Campbell, 87, of Jefferson, passed away on the afternoon of Dec. 16 at Maine Medical Center after a sudden brief illness. He died peacefully, surrounded by family members singing Christmas songs and carols.
Dave grew up in Providence, R.I., the son of Angus and Blanche MacKinnon Campbell. He joined the U.S. Navy during WWII, and was training to be a pilot when the war ended. After leaving the service, he joined the Defense Department where he specialized in quality control, working first in Rhode Island, then in Massachusetts. He met his wife Eleanor when they worked in the same Providence office. Their family lived in Cranston, R.I. for three years; Newton, Mass. for 10 years; then in Andover, Mass., from 1967 to 1993 when Dave and Eleanor moved to Charlestown.
Dave and Eleanor moved to Jefferson in 2001 from Charlestown, R.I. They have been active members of Second Congregational Church in Newcastle; where they sang in the church choir and served on the library committee, among other activities. They also sang with Tapestry Singers for several years.
Dave was predeceased by son, Glenn Campbell in 2010; and sister, Jean Campbell Allsop in 1981.
He leaves his wife of nearly 61 years, Eleanor B. Campbell; six of their seven children and their families, Janice Lindsay of Damariscotta, Cheryl DiTucci of Webster, N.Y., David Campbell Jr. of Brookline, Mass.; Douglas Campbell of Cape Elizabeth, Andrew Campbell of Brookfield, N.H., and Catherine Campbell of Damariscotta; 16 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter; brother, Donald Campbell of Gainesville, Fla., and Don’s wife, children, and grandchildren; and their nephew, Donald Allsop and wife of Warwick, R.I.;
Burial will be private, with a memorial service to be held at a later date.
The family suggests that those who wish to honor Dave’s memory by making a donation might consider a contribution to a local animal shelter, as Dave loved cats and dogs and often adopted shelter animals.
Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
