Born on December 6, 1934, in Farindola, Italy, he was the beloved son of the late Fiorindo and Erminia (Francesconi) Camplese.
At the age of 19, Nicola left his hometown in Italy to begin a new chapter in Venezuela, where he apprenticed as a welder. In 1962, he immigrated to the United States to join his parents and siblings in Harrisburg, PA.
Together with his brother, Gino, and brother-in-law, Vito Garisto, he established the restaurant VNG, which became a beloved gathering place for many.
In 1972, Nicola married Shirley (Ruder) of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. They shared 29 years of marriage, raising two children and building a life filled with love, family, and hard work until her passing in 2001.
Following his time in the restaurant business, Nicola discovered a new passion as a custom home builder and embarked on a successful career, building dozens of homes in the Lewisberry, PA area.
Upon retiring, Nicola settled in Oldsmar, Florida, where he spent the last 21 years of his life in the Florida sunshine with his fiancée, Shirley Clark.
Nicola is survived by his children, Gabriella (Bjorn Farstad) and Marcello; his sister, Valeriana Garisto; Sister-in-Law, Joan; his grandchildren, Gabriel (8), Ash (17), Josephine (20), Kaia (23), Håkon (32); and his fiancée, Shirley Clark. He was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Gino Camplese; brother-in-law, Vito Garisto; and his beloved wife, Shirley (Ruder) Camplese.
He will be remembered for his warm spirit, his love of family and friends, his endless stories, and above all, his infectious laughter that brought joy to everyone around him.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 AM Thursday, September 4, 2025 at St. Theresa Catholic Church, New Cumberland. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven. A viewing will be from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM Thursday in Neill Funeral Home, 3401 Market St., Camp Hill.
Nicola will be dearly missed but his legacy of love, family, and hard work will live on through those who knew and loved him.
