Joseph John Campanella, 89, passed away suddenly, yet peacefully, in Chandler, AZ on November 24, 2019. He was surrounded by his family and many friends. Joseph was born June 26, 1930 in Oakmont, PA to Antonio Campanella and Marie Guiho. He was married to Katharine Elizabeth McBarron for 58 years before her passing in 2011.
Joe graduated from Carnegie Institute of Technology in 1952 with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He moved to Long Island, New York after graduation, where he began his career with Sperry Corporation and met his future wife, Kathy. He loved to tell the story about seeing Kathy for the first time, turning to a friend to say, “I’m going to marry that girl!” Joe and Kathy were married in 1953 and had their first three daughters while living in New York. They moved to Phoenix, AZ in 1960 and had two more daughters and one son.
Joe held many management positions with Sperry Corporation, including Planning and Material Control, Purchasing, Information Systems, and Human Resources. In 1980, Joe was promoted to President of Sperry Flight Systems with responsibility for Sperry’s worldwide aerospace operations, including the Defense and Space industry and the Commercial Aviation industry. Joe was promoted to Corporate Vice-President and President of the newly formed Sperry Aerospace and Marine Group in 1984. Honeywell acquired the Sperry Aerospace and Marine Group in 1986 and Joe was appointed as an Executive Vice-President of the Honeywell Corporation. He retired in 1987 from Honeywell and went on to serve as Chief Operating Officer for several small companies as ‘fix it’ projects.
In 1994, Joe and Kathy purchased Antique Electronic Supply in Tempe, AZ. Under his guidance and leadership, the company expanded to become Campanella Enterprises, currently consisting of a distribution company, a manufacturing company, and two retail companies. It is currently owned and operated by Joe and Kathy’s children and grandchildren.
Joe served the Phoenix community as a Board Member of St. Joseph Hospital and Medical Center, The Gompers Center and the Diocese of Phoenix Finance Committee. He also served on boards for Marshall & Ilsley, The Aerospace Industries Association and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association. Joe was a longtime benefactor of Seton Catholic Preparatory and he was a true believer in the school’s mission. Joe was a caring leader on the Capital Campaigns that resulted in the building of the campus Chapel, the Fine Arts Building, and the Athletics’ Concession building.
Above all else and most important to Joe was his family. Joe and Kathy’s home on the shores of Lake Tahoe was designed with their children and grandchildren in mind. For many years, the entire family would gather for Christmas and summer visits. Many wonderful memories were created during these times. Joe was the patriarch of the Campanella family and modeled the values his parents taught him to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. They were “Be Honest, Work Hard, Respect Yourself and Others, Give Back, and LOVE.” Joe will be greatly missed, but his legacy will live on through his loving family. Joe was predeceased by his wife Kathy, his granddaughter Lauren, his parents, and his sister, Marie Marron. Joe is survived by his six children: Karen Sechena (Steve), Denise Campanella, Noreen Cravener (Greg), Michele Calebaugh, Brian Campanella (Yvonne), and Renee Beyer (Peter); grandchildren: Sarah Johns (Matthew), Michael Cravener (Heather), Benjamin Sechena (Kristin), Mark Sechena, Katie Henderson (Tim), Thomas Cravener (Lindsay), Hailey Campanella, Antonio Campanella, and Rachel Beyer; great grandchildren: Bradley Cravener, Owen Cravener, Eric Cravener, Andrew Johns, Paige Johns, Jake Sechena, Heidi Cravener, Lyra Henderson, and Zachary Sechena.
Visitation at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix is on Friday, December 6, 2019 from 4:00 – 6:00 PM, with a Rosary at 5:00 PM. Funeral Mass is Saturday, December 7, 2019 at 9:30 AM at Seton Catholic Preparatory Chapel, 1150 N. Dobson Rd., Chandler. Interment will follow at St. Francis Catholic Mausoleum and Cemetery, 2033 N. 48th St., Phoenix.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Phoenix, PO Box 13600, Phoenix, AZ 85002. website: https://www.stvincentdepaul.net/give/donate All donations would be greatly appreciated.
Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com
Barry Vaniel
In the late 1960’s, Joe was a very special boss of mine at Sperry Flight Systems. He created an atmosphere that made his direct reports want to work hard and please him, thus benefiting the company. His character and values, especially his faith in God, we’re apparent to all as he lived them out. Without Joe rehiring me at Sperry, I would not have met my wife of 50 years. Joe and Kathy were guests at our wedding in 1970. Joe had a positive influenced on my life and I am blessed to have known him.
Rich and Judy Libonati
Our hearts are broken because of Joe’s passing. He was a fine man and a true friend. We didn’t know him long but Rich and I felt we knew him forever. We miss him now and will miss him always. May God bless his family whom Joe loved so very much and help them during this difficult time.
And I am sure God held Joe in His hands on his journey to heaven…. God bless you Joe.
Rich and Judy Libonati
Ibis Valles
I have known Joe since 1974, for a lot of those years he was my boss, but my friend for 45 years. When someone asks me what skills are needed to be a great leader, I always think back to Joe and how he inspired everyone around him to not only be their best but go that extra step and achieve excellence. Joe was tough, but always fair, putting others before himself and never compromised if the decision or outcome would have an adverse impact on the staff. Joe also taught me how family is more important than anything else and to always do what is best for the family. I know it is going to be a very difficult time for all of you and am going to miss my friend and the best boss I ever had, Our prayers and love are with all of you , Robert and Ibis
Therese Appelbe
I am sorry to hear about your father. I will always remember how your dad would drive down 10th Avenue on the way home from work and, of course, we were all in the street playing, and he would let us stand on the side of his VW Beetle and give us a little ride around to your house. He was always so kind. You have all been in my thoughts these past few days. It is difficult to lose a father, but especially difficult when he is such a great father. Take care. Therese
joel bonomi
Brian,
I am sorry to hear about the passing of your father. I read his obituary in the paper I get up here in Prescott. I hope all is well with you and your family and pray the Lords grace will help you through this difficult time.
Joel and Stacy
Jack and Sally Buckley
I just learned of Joes’ passing. He was a man of noble principle and faith. I was blessed to have known and worked with him at St. Joseph Hospital and Medical Center. RIP