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Bill Campbell
1923 - 2014
Bill Campbell
1923 - 2014
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1923
DIED
2014
Bill Campbell Obituary
Editor and anchor Robin Culverwell at KYW radio station, where Campbell once worked, confirmed Campbell died Monday evening at Cooper Hospital in Camden, New Jersey. He was 91. She said he died from complications from a fall.
Campbell began his career in 1940 and continued well into his 80s. His accounts gave sports fans front row seats at the games of all their favorites: the Philadelphia Eagles, the Phillies, the 76ers, the Warriors or Big Five basketball teams.
Campbell is remembered particularly for his play-by-play of the Eagles game when they won the 1960 NFL Championship over the Green Bay Packers. On the team website, the Eagles recount his warm introduction.
"'Ladies and gentlemen, the Green Bay Packers and the Philadelphia Eagles are about to play the biggest game of their lives,' Campbell said during his WCAU-AM broadcast ... 'And there will be bedlam coming out of your loudspeakers for the next several hours. We hope you'll enjoy the play. We hope we can make it enjoyable for you. Here is (Paul) Hornung booting off, a deep one ... and the championship of the world is underway.'"
At game's end, he caps it off with the ecstatic announcement: "'The game's over! The game's over! The Eagles are the champions of the world! LISTEN!' Campbell said as linebacker Chuck Bednarik sat on Packers running back Jimmy Taylor while the seconds drained off the clock.'"
He also gave a signature performance of Wilt Chamberlain's 100-point game in the Philadelphia Warriors' 169-147 victory over the New York Knicks in 1962. Besides the athleticism, he was as impressed by Chamberlain's character, he told The Associated Press in an interview. Chamberlain was renting an apartment at the time in New York.
"One thing I remember about the game: Here was a guy who scores 100 points, and after the game was over, got in a car with three New York Knicks players and drove back to New York," Campbell said. "I always thought 'How did a guy who scored all those points against them get a ride back with three Knicks?'"
Eagles president Don Smolenski called Campbell "truly a legend."
"Being the voice of the Phillies, 76ers, and Eagles throughout his career, it was clear that Philadelphia sports were in his blood," Smolenski said on the team website.
Campbell slowly retired from the trade after his wife died, Culverwell said. His daughter Christine was with him when he died. He also is survived by two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Copyright © 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
62 Entries
Peter C. Listino
June 13, 2025
Christine, I will always remember your dad broadcasting the Phillies games as my dad and I sometimes drove to the shore together on Friday nights in the summer to be with our family in Ocean City. I'm sorry that you lost your mom so long ago and certainly your dad which I would catch during Phillies and Eagles games, and periodically on KYW in his later years. I hope you and your family are well! We didn't really know each other although we were four houses apart on Stoney Creek Road. Two of my three children are married or engaged, and my youngest is still enjoying the single life. My two children have four children between them but they started later in life as a lot of children do now so my grandchildren are under 8 years old. I hope you are well and living a prosperous life with wonderful memories of your dad. All the best and lots of love, Peter Listino
June 10, 2015
John 11:33 says: "When Jesus saw her weeping and the Jews who had come with her weeping and groaning, he groaned within himself and became troubled." Jesus expressed tears when his friend Lazarus died, he knows how it feels to lose a dead loved one and he understands what you and your family are experiencing. May this bring you and your family comfort in this time of need. cjp (fla.)
January 11, 2015
Please accept my sincere prayers that go out to the surviving family and friends may the God of comfort continue to bless you and yours especially after such a tragic loss. Please accept my deepest sympathies. (2 Cor. 1:2, 3).
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Lindsey
November 18, 2014
I have watched Mr. Campbell for
many years while he was in broadcasting. He was such a professional and had a very unusual speaking voice. The family has my deepest sympathy but you also have great memories captured on film. May Mr. Campbell sleep in peace until awaken by our King.
October 16, 2014
Please have my condolences. Jesus will soon go to the tomb, and say the same words he said to his friend Lazarus, come on out! And he did! (John 11:11-44)
PEP
October 16, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with your family as you face this very difficult time. How comforting to know that soon "Death will no longer rule as king." Roman 5:17
October 16, 2014
I am so very sorry for your loss and pray that as you face the difficult times ahead, you will rely on our heavenly father for strength and comfort. Trust in God at all times, pour out your heart before him. God is a refuge for us...Psalms 62:8
1John 4:7-10 R.A.
October 15, 2014
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
October 13, 2014
Chris and family:
I was so very sorry to hear of your loss and pray that you are left with fine memories and much love.
Rashida Patience
Bob Johnson
October 13, 2014
Bill enhanced the enjoyment of watching Eagles football at Franklin Field. We've been honored to have felt his passion for our home teams & sports. Surely a broadcasting icon.
Brenda
October 13, 2014
Decades of charming and pleasing the listeners with his entertaining voice says it all about Mr. Bill Campbell. Needless to say, he will be missed. Cherish the fond memories, family members. We have a lot of promised blessings to be enjoyed in the future. Until then, ease your loss with the comforting sayings at Jeremiah 29:11.
October 13, 2014
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Joel Porter, M.D.
October 12, 2014
Like so many others here in Philly, I was an admirer of Bill Campbell. He was truly such a fine gentleman, a truly good guy, and the personification of what it means to be a good sport. I mourn his passing and will miss hearing his voice on the air. My condolences to his family as well.
Mable Cook
October 12, 2014
May your memories help you through the pain and bring you some comfort.
rich procopio
October 12, 2014
our condolences,joanne & rich
al fox
October 11, 2014
One of the best,period.
Jill Keyes
October 11, 2014
Chris & family,
You have my sincere sympathy on the death of your father and my "BUDDY MR. BILL". There are so many great memories of your dad. I will always remember when I say him he always gave me the biggest smile. He was so nice and I will always hold a special place in my heart for him.
Jill Keyes
Kathy Mazzio
October 11, 2014
RIP Mr.Campbell. You have been a staple in our lives for so long and we will miss your wonderful voice. God bless your family.
October 11, 2014
Campbell Family,
Our condolences to the Campbell Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of need. We will support you as much a possible. May the God who gives peace be with all of you.-RO.15:33
sheila mclaughlin
October 10, 2014
Our prayers are with Chris and the Campbell family. Mr.Campbell was so special and such a gentleman! May he rest in peace.
Jack Murphy
October 10, 2014
Truly one of the nicest and classiest men ever. My prayers are with all those who loved him.
October 10, 2014
Rest in peace Bill.Now you will be with Josephine.God Bless you and your wonderful family.Love,Marykate Edgette
kc clement jr
October 10, 2014
may you rest in piece you will be missed
Nick
October 10, 2014
Rest in peace Bill you will be missed.
" Good night and good sports"
Diane Long
October 9, 2014
I missed u when u stop coming to church I miss u smile and ur jokes. I remember the first time I met u is was in church u came up to me and ask if I was Kim longs mom you were the sweetest , nices and caring person.always ask how I was I will miss u u are now resting with ur wife who also was a lovely person how u loved her and it showed god bless u.
The Cack
October 9, 2014
Listening to the radio and hearing That Voice say; "Bibby from Cherry Hill" (Bill's description of a long jumpshot), a classic !
Marge Jackson
October 9, 2014
We all know there's baseball in heaven, they were just waiting for you Bill.
October 9, 2014
Campbell Family:
My deepest sympathy. Mr. Campbell you knew how to call a game! Rest in peace.
Joseph Albanese-Manahawkin
Joe C. Franchetti
October 9, 2014
Thank you BIll Campbell--- you were the best game(s) annoucer-- period... and my late Collingswood Mom loved to listen to you--" He's special" ...Eternal rest with God
October 9, 2014
WHEN I GOT OUT OF THE U.S.N.IN 1969, I WORKED AT DAVIS SCHOOL,BILL WAS A CROSSING GUARD.HE ALWAYS GAVE ME GOOD ADVICE. MOUSEY MALEC NAPLES FL.
October 9, 2014
May the God of all comfort be with the family and friends at this sad time'Isaiah25:8 ''He will swallow up death forever''
TONY SIRNA
October 9, 2014
I remember Mr Campbell from Christ the King, and I always tried to greet him, whenever we were at the same mass! We would bump into each other, and he would say to me, "It's all your fault, Tony, that the Philly teams are losing!"
But I know that he was teasing me when he said that!
You will be missed, Sir!!!
Cherry Hill Tony.
Bernadette Geddes
October 9, 2014
Chris,
My heart and my family's heart go out to you at this sad time. I loved hearing about you and your grandchildren when I visited my parents at Brightview. I will miss them both and will pray for you and your family and that God's loving embrace will comfort you.
October 9, 2014
In 1960 I was employed at WCAU on City Line Avenue. I was a secretary but came in contact occasionally with a true gentleman - namely: Bill Campbell. Bill was a friendly man with always a smile on his face. He had the type of voice that one was drawn to and when he gave the sports information whether one was interested or not, you would listen. His voice pulled you in. My deepest condolences to his family, relatives and friends. A loving voice, stilled. I will always remember you Bill - I was fresh out of High School and just starting on the road of life. You made me feel welcome at WCAU and I thank you for that. God Bless You and Yours.
Mimi
October 9, 2014
I am sorry for your loss of Bill. He will surely be missed. Please take comfort in knowing that God Cares personally for you and your family. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. 1 Peter 5 : 7
October 9, 2014
Sorry for your loss. The bible says that god is the source of life. Acts 17:24,25 says that he is capable of restoring life to our love ones again.
Gloria
October 9, 2014
Our loving heavenly father will not forget Mr. Campbell and He assures us that his life is precious to Him. Psalm 72:12-14
Debbie
October 9, 2014
We mourn with the Campbell family during this time of bereavement. Romans 15:33.
October 9, 2014
Iam 68 and grew up with the voice of this wonderful man on all the sports.he will be missed.rest in peace. gene
October 8, 2014
May his loving memories bring your life comfort.May God touch your lives in a way that truly soothe your heart......nc
tina morgan
October 8, 2014
Please accept the whole family and friends at revelation that 21:3-5 which says that God will wipe out every tears from their eyes and death will be no more I HOPE THESE promise of GOD WILL BRING the family a hope for the future and a calm heart now TINA LOS Angeles
Joseph Wilson
October 8, 2014
His great voice, gentle demeanor, and the Philadelphia pro teams of the 50's and early 60's are an unforgettable part of my life. Thanks, Bill, and condolences to the family.
October 8, 2014
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
J F
October 8, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
October 7, 2014
Our condolences to the Campbell family. Your dad, Christine, was so well loved by so many. We shall miss him. Gloria and Stan Hochman
David Stahl
October 7, 2014
R.I.P. Bill. You made listening to the games interesting.
October 7, 2014
My condolences to the Campbell Family and words of comfort knowing God will become a secured refuge during this time of sorrow (Psalms 9:9) ~ Linda
Elizabeth Mulle
October 7, 2014
Chris and family-Thinking of you during this difficult time-such fond memories of Mr. Campbell, my parents' friends, as well as Bill Campbell, the legend so many knew. Be comforted that your parents are back together, I remember how in love they always were. Praying you find peace-
Elizabeth (Edgette) Mulle
Ann Kleinschmidt
October 7, 2014
Dearest Campbell Family
I am deeply saddened by the loss of your dad/grandfather. May Wonderful Memories Bring You Smiles Joy and Laughter when you need them most during this difficult and sad time. Thank You for sharing him with us!
Love Hugs and Prayers to all,
October 7, 2014
I offer my sincerest condolences to the family. "... may the God who supplies endurance and comfort" be with you, and help you to endure this troubling time. (Romans 15:5)
October 7, 2014
God promised none of us a long life but Bill was definitely blessed with one. He will be remembered by many people. He had an illustrious career. He obviously enjoyed it immensely. Not all people can say that. May the God of all comfort strengthen his family and friends at this difficult time. "Those who die God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes." (Psalms 116:15)
October 7, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss. May God and your cherished memories bring you strength and courage as you grieve.
T Leese
October 7, 2014
The voice of sports past in Philly ! I will always hear his voice in my mind ! Hope By and Richie were there to greet you! Truly miss you guys ! God Bless ! TL
SUSAN KELLY
October 7, 2014
Chrissy,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your Dad was such a gentleman and a true legend in our time. I'm sure I speak for all your Villa family, our deepest sympathy and love,
Susan Kelly '71
Lil
October 7, 2014
With deepest sympathy on the loss of your loved one. May it be comforting to know that Bill will return to his youth as promised at Job 33:25.
B Lucas
October 7, 2014
Much can be said about a man, so good memories bring back the good times. May your memories bring to mind what you remember about Bill that was good. My most sincere condolence.
October 7, 2014
So sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort be with your family and friends. Isaiah 61: 2
David
October 7, 2014
Philadelphia has lost an icon to the their sports world. It was great to hear him announce the games and always was knowledgeable of the game, he loved Philly and now we say farewell, rest in Peace Mr. Campbell.
October 7, 2014
My sincere condolences to the family during this time of grief. John 5:28
October 7, 2014
May your heart soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together,and know that God has him in his memory blessing until he awake to receive the promise blessing of endless life in paradise
October 7, 2014
Yet another icon of this middle-aged man has passed. I always took the time to watch or listen to an interview with Bill and somewhat vaguely remember his Phillies broadcasts. He now joins Whitey and Harry. May he rest in peace.
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