Thomas L. Campo Jr. passed away at Hospice by the Sea in Boca Raton in the early morning on Easter, April 21, 2019. Tom lived a long and fruitful life of 92 years and is survived by his sons, daughters, grand-children and great grand-children.
Tom was a self-made man in the classic sense; born on the kitchen table during a snow-storm in upstate New York in a house with no electricity, running water or furnace. Foregoing high-school graduation he enlisted into the Army to do his part during WWII.
After the war he courted and married Rosemary Shannon who was his lifelong companion until she lost her battle against cancer in 1987. Tom had a thirst for knowledge and learning. From the beginning of the post-war era his life was a dual quest of providing for his family and self-improvement.
He began as a blue-collar bus-driver for the City of Newark, gas-tanker driver for Tidewater/Getty Oil and transitioned to the business world with a position as a cameraman for live TV at ABC in New York City.
The business transition solidified at the age of 34 with his employment by the Prudential Insurance Company of America and assignment to the regional office in Oneonta, NY. While living in Stamford NY Tom received his Officer’s Commission in the New York National Guard from Governor Rockefeller and was awarded his diploma [belated and with thanks] from Jefferson High School by Governor Pataki.
Moving to Florida in 1967 Tom ascended to Partner/Co-Owner of the Mobile Home Division Insurance in Fort Lauderdale until retiring at the age of 60 to become care-giver to his wife Rosemary.
After the death of his wife Rosemary, Tom began the next chapter of his life. Two years after the tragedy of losing his first love and best friend Tom was reintroduced to Gilberte Audet. Their meeting was to be providential as they wed in 1991. The addition of “Berte’s” two wonderful children and families would provide added warmth and comfort as years passed.
Tom loved comedies and country music… he was even known to do a very elegant line-dance. Well known for his unique harmonizing talent, he loved singing in church. He loved traveling and learning, but perhaps he will be best known for his tolerance and critique of culinary establishment’s across the globe.
Tom is survived by his children: Thomas, Colleen, Bernard and Sandra.
His grand-children: Jessica, Joshua, Kyle, Brianna, Ashlee and Josh.
His great grand-children: Aiyden and Clara.
