Ursula E. Campanella

It is with sadness that the Campanella family announces the passing of Ursula Denning Campanella on March 24, 2024, at her home in Getzville, NY. Ursula was the loving wife of Alexander Campanella for 68 years. He was with her at home when she succumbed to her long and brave battle with several illnesses. She was 94 at her passing.

Along with her husband, Alexander, she is survived by her daughter, Diana Campanella, a sister, Gerda, in Germany, several nieces and nephews and many dear friends. Her older sister, Ruth, predeceased Ursula in 2019.

Ursula was born in Heidelberg, Germany in 1929. She was professionally trained as a dress designer and custom clothing tailor while a student in Germany. After marrying and moving in 1958 to Buffalo with her American husband and daughter, she continued her tailoring career establishing a successful business with devoted clients. During these years, her husband, a Certified Orthotist, managed the Orthotic Department at Buffalo's Childrens' Hospital.

In 1987, Ursula and Alex opened "Campanella Orthotics and Prosthetics, Inc." on Linwood Ave. in Downtown Buffalo. Ursula, because of her business skills, was appointed Vice President and CFO of Campanella Orthotics and Prosthetics. She was responsible for the non-technical aspects of the business including purchasing for office and lab needs, personnel development, public relations, and office management. Ursula also used her design and sewing ability to advise and provide proper fitting garments for the clients needing prosthetics and/or braces. Her tailoring skills, especially for mastectomy survivors, were used to design custom fit clothing which helped provide comfort and self-confidence for her clients.

Ursula was an avid reader. Although she learned English in Germany, she kept an American dictionary with her to define unfamiliar words that she came across while reading. She was an amazing cook blending her German food recipes with American favorites. Ursula, Alex and Diana enjoyed traveling and did so when they were able.

Ursula served on the Board of Directors of Kenmore Mercy Hospital. Both she and Alexander served on the Board of Directors for the "Hope For Tomorrow Foundation," whose goal was to provide free of cost surgeries for children living in poor nations. They traveled to many countries with Dr. Jeffrey Meilman, founder of "Hope For Tomorrow," and several doctors who donated time to provide needed surgeries and medical care for very poor and ill children. Alex and Ursula donated shoes and bracing devices as needed. They donated an artificial arm to a small boy from Poland. The child lost his arm when he was attacked by feral dogs. For this donation, the Campanellas received a Papal Blessing, in person, from Pope Benedict XVI in 2009.

Ursula also received the "Women of Influence in WNY" award from Buffalo Business First and Lake Shore Savings in celebration of all her achievements. Alexander thanks the home health care aids who took loving care of Ursula during her illness. He also thanks Hospice Palliative Care of Buffalo, NY for Ursula's care.

In keeping with Ursula's wish, her body was donated to the University at Buffalo Anatomical Gift Program.

The family will have a private prayer service this spring. In lieu of flowers, memorials if you wish, may be made to any personal charity.