Richard Campana, 90, peacefully entered eternal life in heaven to be reunited with his beloved wife, Nancy, and grandson, Kevin Hirt, on Wednesday morning May 10th, 2023 at his daughter’s home in Lenox where he resided for the past 3 years.
A lifelong resident of Waltham until 1998 when he and Nancy moved to their Cape house in the Gray Gables section of Bourne.
Born on June 27, 1932 in Waltham; son of the late Delmo Campana and Antonietta "Anna" (Iannetti) Campana, Dick was raised, educated and lived for many years in Waltham. Dick was a graduate of Waltham High School with the Class of 1950. He enlisted in the United States Air Force and served faithfully and honorably during the Korean War as a jet engine mechanic on the front line.
After returning from the service, Dick married Nancy Boisclair in 1955 and began his career as a truck equipment salesman, serving many of the local municipalities surrounding the greater Boston area. He was very successful and well respected in the industry for his vast knowledge, excellent customer service and integrity. He spent the last 20 yrs of his career as the sales manager for MHQ, continuing to work part time into his late 70’s.
Dick took great pride in the Waltham and Bourne communities. He was appointed to the Waltham License Commission and served as its Chairman for several years. He worked on several city councilor and mayoral campaigns over the years, making signs in his garage and installing them around the city. He belonged to the Sons of Italy Dante Algheri Lodge #648 in Waltham and the Monument Beach Sportsman’s Club in Bourne, MA where he volunteered many hours of his time and made lifelong friends.
In his spare time, Dick enjoyed many hobbies and activities. He was an avid trap and target shooter, skilled at all things mechanical, and enjoyed wood working. Dick also enjoyed watching action and western themed movies as well as documentaries on military history.
Dick cherished family gatherings at their Cape house for summertime fun and holidays. He enjoyed quahogging with friends and the subsequent preparation (opening them with his custom made knife), so that all could enjoy Nancy’s famous stuffed quahogs. The grandchildren have many fond memories of visiting Grammy and Grampy and spending the day at the “little beach”.
Dick was predeceased by his beloved wife of 60 years Nancy Lee (Boisclair) Campana in 2016, his sister Clara Florio and his grandson, Kevin Hirt. Dick is survived by his devoted & loving children; Richard Campana Jr. and his wife Jacqui of Gilford, NH; Lynn Campana and her husband Paul Hirt of Lenox; Laurie Campana and her companion Joseph Tamuleviz of Scituate; and Stephen Campana and his wife Priscilla of Stow, his cherished grandchildren; Mackenzie Hirt, Justin Campana, Cassandra Campana, Nicholas Campana, Johnathan Campana, Carleigh Campana. In addition, he is survived by many nieces & nephews.
The family wishes to extend their tremendous gratitude to the incredible team of caregivers that were such an important part of Dick’s life, providing care, companionship, and appreciation of his great sense of humor and wit these past 3 years. Special thanks to his current team who were with him at the end, Betty, Val, Luan, Crystal, Christine, Barbara and Donna.
Those who wish to pay their respects to Richard and his family can do so at the Brasco & Sons Memorial Funeral Home, 773 Moody Street, Waltham on Tuesday, May 16th from 4pm until 7pm. Parking attendants will be on duty.
Family and friends are welcome to gather and celebrate Richard's life and remember the love and friendship he shared with others at a Funeral Service in the Mary Catherine Chapel of Brasco & Sons Memorial on Wednesday, May 17th at 12:00 pm with visiting hours 11-12pm.
Burial with United States Air Force Military Honors will be held at the Massachusetts Veterans National Cemetery, MacArthur Blvd. (Rte.#28) in Bourne on Thursday May 18th at 12:45 pm. Please enter the main gate of the cemetery and wait at the administration building in line.
For those who wish to pay their final respects, but are unable to attend, please be sure to sign the guestbook at www.BrascoFuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy may be made in Dick’s memory to the charity of one's choice.