Bruce Ryan Campbell

Bruce Ryan Campbell passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, January 31st. He was born on September 3, 1939, in Manhattan, New York, and was the beloved son of the late Mary Ryan Campbell and William B. Campbell Sr. He was preceded in death by his son, Bruce Robert Campbell, whom he carried in his heart always.

Bruce is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy “Dottie” Ermovick Campbell; his sons, Steven Campbell (Scarlet) and Ryan Campbell; and his daughter-in-law, Catherine Campbell. He is also survived by his sister, Judy Campbell Tight; his brother, Bill Campbell Jr. (Georgie); and his cherished grandchildren, Mary Ryan Campbell, Kylie Campbell, and Luke Campbell. Bruce also leaves behind many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

Bruce spent much of his early life in Manhattan and Long Island, New York, where his father served as a New York City police officer and his mother was a spirited entrepreneur who owned a gift shop. This upbringing sparked Bruce’s early interest in business and later inspired his career as a business owner known for his strong leadership and people-first approach.

In 1952, Bruce and his family moved to Florida. They briefly lived in Miami Beach before settling down in Pompano Beach. Beginning at Pompano High School as a freshman, Bruce was an outstanding athlete excelling in football and basketball. This is where he forged lifelong friendships with teammates Ed Myrick, Pat Stone, Bobby Walton, John Brannon and Bill Zinke. He was an active leader during high school and was instrumental in changing the school’s athletic program name from the “Bean Pickers” to the “Golden Tornadoes.” Bruce was once voted best actor in his class. He also held many memorable jobs as a young man from paper boy, washing cars at the beach, picking watermelons, golf caddy and even a bouncer at a Fort Lauderdale bar.

Bruce continued his education at the University of Notre Dame, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration. After graduating from Notre Dame in 1961 he joined the United States Navy where he graduated from Officers Candidate School reaching rank of Lieutenant. Bruce served in combat during the Vietnam War aboard the USS Cunningham and was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal for his service. While living in Manhattan Beach, California, he met the love of his life, Dottie Ermovick. They were married in 1968. Bruce and Dottie later moved to Annapolis, Maryland, where Bruce taught seamanship at the United States Naval Academy.

A natural entrepreneur who enjoyed building relationships grounded in trust and respect, Bruce moved his family to Florida to pursue new business opportunities. In 1969, Bruce began working in Deerfield Beach at Campbell Property Management and Real Estate, Inc, where he eventually became the driving force behind the property management side of the business.

Over more than 40 years in the real estate business, Bruce served on numerous boards and belonged to many organizations, but what mattered most to him were the people he worked with and the relationships he built. Bruce was widely respected for his integrity and was often described by business partners and close friends as loyal, fair, humble, and gracious and those who worked with him often became lifelong friends. Throughout his career, he was fortunate to work alongside many remarkable individuals, including his father, William Campbell Sr.; his brother, Bill Campbell Jr.; Jim Rosemurgy; Jim Heidish; Larry Elster; and his nephews, John Tight, Brian Tight, and Bill Campbell III. After retiring in early 2010, Bruce spent summers in Wilmington, North Carolina, and winters in Boca Raton, Florida, while the relationships he formed throughout his life remained a constant source of joy.

Above all else, Bruce will be remembered for living a long, full, Christ-centered life rooted in family and friendship. He treasured time spent with Dottie, his children and his grandchildren — whether it was around the dinner table, on fishing trips or during lively card games. He enjoyed countless getaways, which often included Bruce scouting out a nearby casino. He was an avid fisherman who cherished being out on the water with his three sons. Wednesdays meant poker night, which Bruce rarely missed, and he delighted in teaching his grandchildren how to play cards. He could often be found with a Starbucks in hand, watching Fox News, while petting his beloved dog, Lily. These simple moments brought Bruce the greatest happiness and he will forever be remembered for his compassion, generous spirit, and the way he made others feel valued and welcome.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to their family and friends, as well as the nursing staff who cared for Bruce with love and dedication at the end of his life.

A celebration of his life will be held on Tuesday, February 17th at 12:00p.m. at Double Tree by Hilton, 100 Fairway Drive, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Bruce’s favorite charity, Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10306 or online at T2T.org.