Gary L. Campbell

Gary L. Campbell, 70, of South Hadley, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, in Sarasota, FL. Born in Holyoke, Gary was the son of the late Doris (Burnett) and John Campbell. He spent his early years in South Hadley and part of his childhood in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where his father was stationed with the Air Force, before eventually returning to Westover AFB and South Hadley  

Gary enlisted in the Navy during the Vietnam War, spending four years on active duty followed by eight years in the Navy Reserves. His career post-military was diverse and fulfilling; he worked as a salesman and later a warehouse manager at Spalding in Chicopee for nearly two decades and held various positions at Mount Holyoke College.

In 2017, Gary was granted a miraculous extension of life thanks to a lung transplant, which gave him an additional seven cherished years with his loved ones. We are eternally grateful to his donor, Caleb, and Caleb’s family, as well as the devoted team of doctors, nurses, and care assistants who supported him through his transplant journey. This precious gift of life allowed Gary to make more priceless memories with his family and friends, deeply enriching the lives of all who loved him.

Gary loved to golf, and spent nearly 30 years as a member of The Orchards Golf Club in South Hadley, where he was a proud member of the Pine Tree Gang and the Dawn Patrol. He truly loved the Orchards and his friends there. Even before his transplant, Gary's passion for golf was so strong that he could often be seen playing with his portable oxygen, a testament to his determination and love for the game.

Gary leaves behind his wife of 40 years, Maura, and his devoted sons, Patrick (Lauren) of South Boston, and Christopher (Alexa) of Holyoke. He was a proud grandfather to Thomas, Matthew, and Emma, often showing pictures of his grandkids to anyone who would look. His memory is also treasured by his siblings, John Campbell of Ludlow, Kevin Campbell of South Hadley, Karen Campbell of The Villages, FL, and Laurie Novak of Springfield, as well as many nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends who he loved very much.

Predeceased by his sister, Eileen, Gary's legacy of warmth and friendship remains a beacon to all who knew him.

Visitation for Gary will be held at the O’Brien Family Funeral Home, 33 Lamb St., South Hadley, MA 01075, from 4 PM to 7 PM on Sunday, May 12th. A graveside service will take place at the Massachusetts Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main St, Agawam, MA 01001, at 2 PM on Monday, May 13.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Transplant Foundation or the American Lung Association.  

For more information or to leave online condolences please visit obrienfamilyfh.com