Philip Campagnoli

Philip Campagnoli, beloved husband of Geneele Crump, died in his home, surrounded by love, on Aug. 14, 2025. He was 84.

A lifelong resident of Elkhart, Phil was born Jan. 21, 1941, to the late Anthony and Eugenia (Smith) Campagnoli. The son of two public school teachers, Phil was educated in the Elkhart Community Schools where he excelled not only in academics but also in athletics. He played on his high school basketball and track teams while also being a star quarterback, with his father as one of his coaches. He received an athletic scholarship to Western Michigan where he earned masters' degrees in business and education.

Phil became a teacher and taught social studies, focusing on psychology and government, for 30 years at Elkhart (Central) High School. A man of intellect and integrity, his standards were high both for his students and himself. Phil was creative in his teaching methods and approach to helping his students understand not only the subject matter but themselves. He had the friendship and respect of his colleagues.

Phil recognized his greatest professional accomplishments were his efforts with the teacher's union as president of the Elkhart Teachers' Association and head of the negotiating team. He was dedicated to supporting and advancing the rights, needs, and benefits of teachers and was passionate in his knowledge that public education was central to a just and successful democracy. These were his deep, life-long commitments.

A voracious reader, Phil's personal library consisted of thousands of books, and he relished any opportunity to discuss his learnings, explorations, and questions. A very patient, generous, and thoughtful man, Phil loved his family, friends, and faith community, and they knew it. His sense of humor was dynamic, and his boisterous, unmistakable laugh was legendary.

Phil was preceded in death by his son Anthony "Tony" Campagnoli, and his brother Steven Campagnoli. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Geneele Crump, daughter Kimberly (Dave) Skinner, brother Jerry Campagnoli, grandchildren Victoria Hawk, Nathan Hawk, Ronnie Skinner, and Destiny (Donny) Vincent, great-granddaughter Freya Vincent, daughter-in-law Candi Campagnoli, sister-in-law Nancy Campagnoli, former wife Janet Campagnoli, and his beloved community of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Elkhart (UUFE).

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Phil's memory to UUFE, 1732 Garden St., Elkhart, IN, 46514 (UUFE.org), Church Community Services, 907 Oakland Ave., Elkhart, IN, 46516, or the ACLU, 125 Broad St., 18th Floor, New York, NY 10004.

Following cremation, a Celebration of Life service will take place at UUFE on Sunday, Aug. 24, at 4 p.m., with visitation one hour prior, A reception will follow at the church where the "theme" will be Phil's favorite color: red. Phil would want you to come and have a wonderful time together.

We are better because Phil was in our lives, and remains in our hearts.