Obituary of Anthony Campanella

On Tuesday, November 24, 2015, Mayor Emeritus Anthony "Tony" Campanella peacefully passed away with his wife of 62 years, Dee, by his side. From humble beginnings, Tony's 82 years were filled with accomplishments, his greatest being the family he loved so much and who loved him beyond words. Tony met and married Dolores (Dee Healy) On November 3, 1953. The young couple went on to have 4 children, Anita, Carol, Anthony, Jr. "Tony" and Dennis, 2 Italians and 2 Irishmen, the family joked. Tony sometimes worked 2 and 3 jobs to support the family but was always there for midget football or mini-wresting or wherever support was needed. As the family grew, Tony walked brides down the aisle, welcomed grandkids and was story teller for the next generation, sharing stories from his youth much to the delight of the kids. He had an ornery streak in his youth that lead to some great tales. Good friends shared in the fun as the Campanella door was always open. Public Service was also very important to Tony. He served in the Army National Guard and in the Special Police Reserve. Tony went on to be elected to the City Council in 1988; he served as Director of Buildings and Grounds and realized his lifelong dream when he was elected as Mayor of the City of Vineland in 1996. During his term as mayor, Tony worked tirelessly to improve Vineland, bringing Boscov's and Home Depot to the Cumberland Mall, the EMT Station at Cunningham Field and the second phase of the Industrial Park on Mill Rd. The Vineland Police Department was increased from 50 officers to 125 during Campanella's term as public safety was a major concern. But his proudest moment as mayor came after a long and hard fight to get Inspira Medical Center placed in Vineland on Sherman Ave. Tony was honored be Hendricks House for his work with them and was very active with The Salvation Army. He is past member of The North Italy Club, Diamond Social club and The Moose Lodge. Tony retired as mayor when his term ended in 2000. He loved antique cars and was the proud owner of a Model A and a Model T and even participated in shows and Thunder on the Avenue before retiring. Tony's accomplishments were many but he was a humble, honorable man. The greatest gift he gave his family was, not only love and support for wherever their individual journey took them, but the example of his integrity. He was an ordinary man with an extraordinary life. Tony is predeceased by his parents, William Campanella and Angelina (Profetto) Capelli. Tony leaves behind his wife of 62 years, Dolores (Dee), nee Healy who loved and cared for him throughout their whole life together. He also leaves behind his daughters, Anita (D'Alessandro), Carol (John Moschetti) and his sons, Tony (Bev) and Dennis. Tony had 9 grandchildren, Angelo D'Alessandro, Jordan, Jessica (Eddie), Jonathan Moschetti, Brandy (Ryan) Hogan, Chelsea and Toni Campanella and Dennis, Cassidy and Matthew Campanella. He also had 4 great children, Cheyenne, Ryan,Jr., Kayli and Lucas, and one brother. Tony leaves behind a void that will never be filled in the lives of his family but he also leaves behind a love that will continue to grow because of the foundation he planted with Dee all those years ago. A Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated on Saturday at 11am at Christ The Good Shepherd Parish, St. Isidore's Church, 1655 Magnolia Rd. Vineland. Tony will be laid to rest at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Vineland. Family and friends will be received on Friday evening from 6pm to 9pm at DeMarco-Luisi Funeral Home 2755 S. Lincoln Ave., Vineland and again on Saturday morning from 9am to 10:45am at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the NJ CC Hospice, 1138 E. Chestnut Ave., Vineland, NJ 08360 or The Cumberland Co. S.P.C.A. 1244 N. Delsea Dr. Vineland, NJ 08360.