John Peter Campanelli, 88, died on Saturday January 23rd, 2021 after a short battle with Covid-19.
He leaves behind his wife Rose, with whom he would have celebrated 66 years of marriage at the end of this month; his sister Lucy Sinacore of Nanuet, NY; his son Dan Campanelli (Maureen) of Patchogue, NY; and his daughter Jennifer Barlow of Fitchburg MA. John was dearly loved by his large extended family including grandchildren Jonathan Campanelli (Jennifer), and great-grandchildren children Jonathan and Joseph of Farmingville, NY; grandson Nicholas Campanelli of Orlando, FL; and granddaughter Angela Campanelli of West Islip, NY; grandsons Maxwell and John Barlow of Fitchburg, MA; and numerous nieces, nephews and dear friends. John was predeceased by son Victor Campanelli (2017), his brother Frank Campanelli (1988), and sister-in Law Marie Campanelli (2015).
John was born on March 13, 1932 in Jamaica, NY. He served in the United States Army from 1952-54, stationed as a medic in Texas and California earning the rank of Corporal (CPL). After discharge he married his sweetheart Rose in January 1955, and they raised their family in Bellerose, NY. They retired to Middle Island in 2001.
John began his professional life as an Engineer with Seal-Kap Packaging in Long Island City, N.Y., where he was promoted to Vice President, and was very proud of the two patents awarded for his designs during his career there. He continued his career as the Director of Buildings and Grounds for Cathedral College in Douglaston, NY until his retirement in 1998. In his later years he worked part-time at Sears, played golf, and honed his skills as a chef in the kitchen.
Throughout his life he was an active member of St. Gregory the Great Church and community in Bellerose, NY. He established and ran a youth bowling league and was a lector and leader of song in his church. He was a skilled woodworker, created all kinds of household gifts, garden structures and never missed an opportunity to help his neighbors, family and friends.
Due to COVID limitations there will be no calling hours. Friends and family are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Brigid’s Church in Westbury, N.Y., followed by interment at Holy Rood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s name to Long Island Youth Mentoring, Brentwood, N.Y.
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