William Campanelli

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of William (Bill) R. Campanelli, 70, who was born on November 11, 1954, in New Britain, Connecticut. He completed his journey at St. Luke's Hospital in Boise, ID, on Friday, March 7, 2025. A man of fierce independence and profound knowledge of firearms and the natural world, he lived life on his own terms-finding solace in the wild and purpose in the animals he cared for.

Born with a natural affinity for mechanics, Bill honed his craft as a machinist, fabricating custom handgun parts and building Harley-Davidson motorcycles in his 20's. Later in life, his talents extended to the world of horses, where he became a skilled farrier and a master of natural horsemanship. He tamed wild mustangs with an intuitive understanding of their untamed spirit as if it were his own. You can see his techniques in action at www.youtube.com/@HoofTech. With the same steady hand, he bred and trained Labrador Retrievers shaping them into loyal hunting companions and trusted friends.

A true outdoorsman, Bill found his greatest joy in hunting, fishing, shooting, and reloading. He lived for the hush of the woods at dawn, the thrill of a tug at the end of his fishing line, the quiet pursuit of wild game, and the sharp crack of a well-placed shot. Solitude was his closest companion, and privacy was his peace-content with nothing more than the land beneath his boots and the open sky above.

Above all, he was a father. He imparted to his sons the values of self-reliance, respect for nature, and the importance of standing tall in one's own truth.

Bill leaves behind his sons, Justin and Chris, along with their partners, Kelly and Skye, his sister, Eileen, and his brother, Paul. His legacy endures in the dusty roads he traveled, the animals he trained, and the lessons he passed down.

At Bill's request, there will be no formal services. Instead, those who knew him are encouraged to honor his memory in the way he would have wanted-by finding a quiet place in nature, taking a deep breath of fresh air, and embracing the freedom and solitude he so cherished.

Rest easy, Bill. The wild was always your home.