Published February 1, 2019
LOWELL — Norman E. Campbell, 94, of Lowell, formerly of Saugus and Malden, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 21, 2019, at Lowell General Hospital.
Norman was born in Cambridge on July 9, 1924, one of five children of the late James P. Campbell, Jr. and Gladys E. (Slade) Campbell. At the request of his father, he waited until graduating from Cambridge Rindge Tech to enlist in the military. After graduating in 1942 he promptly joined the US Navy during World War II. Norman served bravely and honorably in the Pacific Theatre aboard the LST 655 (Tank Landing Ship) as a Gunner’s Mate. He ably fulfilled his duties, made lifelong friends of his shipmates, and was discharged as a Quartermaster, 3rd Class in 1948. With dignity and service above self, Norman remained forever proud of his country, and loyal to the U.S. Navy. A member of the Greatest Generation, Norman returned home to find work at Hood Milk in Charlestown. While working on the loading dock, he met Virginia Nelson who worked in the lab. They fell in love, were married in 1951, and settled in Malden to raise a family of two children.
Physically strong and good with his hands, Norman was a respected longtime member of the Carpenters Union Local #40. He worked on major construction projects throughout New England for many years in finish carpentry and door hanging. He retired at age 65 to enjoy his favorite passions in life including gardening, hunting, fishing, and most importantly to “Papa” spending time with his family.
As a child, Norman spent summers working on farms in Lexington and learning the basics of living off the land. With more free time in retirement, he was able to reconnect with his love of nature and the outdoors at Endicott Park Community Gardens. With several plots of land to harvest, Norman grew hundreds of pounds of vegetables every growing season. He served as the President of the Garden Council and became known as the “Ambassador” for his daily presence and generous sharing of knowledge and produce from his gardens. Norman was well known to cultivate the best tomatoes from his expertly designed and meticulously maintained gardens.
An avid outdoorsman, Norman loved deer hunting with family around New England. He was a member of several shooting clubs and joyfully passed his love of the sport along to several generations of family. He was a member of the Sierra Club and the Outdoor Appalachian Club. He also loved fishing especially for Brook Trout fish, and was a member of Danvers Fish & Game and the Westford Sportsman Club. An accomplished marksman, he enjoyed trap shooting, and archery.
Norman was a Master Mason of the Golden Rule Lodge AF&AM of Wakefield. Loyal and committed, he was a member of the Masons for over 50 years.
A well known prankster, Norman had a love for the practical joke. He was fun loving with a wry sense of humor and got a laugh with every story he shared. He was very proud of his Scottish heritage, and enjoyed attending the Highland Games for many years. His greatest joy in life was spending time with his grandsons, only to be magnified by the addition of great-grandchildren. Most of all, he was a dedicated family man whose gruff exterior was enhanced by his inner kindness, strong morals, and innate integrity. He will be greatly missed, but his impact will live on through the hearts and minds of multiple generations that he touched.
Norman was the beloved husband of the late Virginia M. (Nelson) “Ginny” Campbell with whom he shared 44 years of marriage. Devoted father of Laurie E. Leary-Slepoy and her husband Henry of Reading, and James L. Campbell of Lowell. Dear brother of Lois Carter and her late husband Frank of Surrey, N.H., David Campbell and his wife Donna of Ft. Myers, Fla., and the late James P. Campbell III and his surviving wife Beverly of Newport, R.I., and the late Andrew Campbell and his late wife Helen. Cherished grandfather of Stephen M. Leary, Jr. and his wife Antonella of Jupiter, Fla., Joseph D. Leary of Wakefield, Timothy A. Leary and his wife Trisha of S. Hampton, and Brian C. Leary and his wife Jennifer Rosati of Wakefield. Loving great-grandfather of Jacob, Simon, Abigail, Sarah, Jack, Alexa, Ryan, Matthew, Aubrey, Taylor, Zachary, Lucas, and Emma. Also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends gathered in honor and remembrance of Norman’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Thursday, Jan. 24 and again on Friday for his funeral service. Interment with U.S. Navy honors was at Riverside Cemetery, Saugus. For online tribute, or directions visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com
