Rev. Norbert J. Campbell

Retired priest with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 24, 2024. He was 91, and is survived by his brother William (the late Patty) of Bel Air, Maryland, and Robert (Nancy) of Robinson Township (Allegheny County). Uncle to Kathy Ross of Harford County, Maryland, Joyce (Fred) Emge of Fallston, Maryland, Nancy Campbell of Bel Air, Maryland, Scott (Anne) Campbell of Castle Shannon, Craig (Lisa) Campbell of Upper St. Clair, and Courtney Arena of Lake Clarke Shores, Florida. 
Fr. Campbell, known as “Nuncle” to family, was close to his great-nieces Lauren and Katharine Campbell of Castle Shannon, great-niece Amber Arena, and great-nephew Christopher Arena of Lake Clarke Shores, Florida. His generosity ensured all four would follow in the family tradition of 12 years of Catholic grade and then high school education.
Born January 6, 1933, to Walter and Mercedes Campbell of the Beltzhoover neighborhood of the City of Pittsburgh, he attended St. Canice grade school before discerning a vocation to the priesthood. Fr. Campbell secured a scholarship to the Pontifical College Josephinum, the only pontifical seminary in North America, in Columbus, Ohio. He enrolled in minor (high school) seminary in 1947 before matriculating to major (college) seminary, studying philosophy and theology, until his graduation in 1960.
He was ordained in May 1960, and was assigned as an assistant pastor to several parishes in Allegheny County from 1960 until 1974, when he was installed as pastor at Sts. Mary & Anne in Marriana (Washington County) where he served until 1984. Fr. Campbell was assigned to be pastor at St. Joseph the Worker in New Castle (Lawrence County) for 15 years, until 1999. His last assignment was at St. Jude the Apostle in Wilmerding (Allegheny County), where he was pastor from 1999 until his retirement in 2015.
St. John Vianney Manor is where he spent his retirement years from 2015 until 2023, driving nearly every Sunday from the East Carnegie neighborhood of the City of Pittsburgh to celebrate Mass at Kane Community Living Center in McKeesport.
A die-hard Steelers, Pirates and Penguins fan, he enjoyed playing, in his younger days, and watching many sports with his younger brother Bob and his nephews Scott and Craig. He also loved nature and all of God’s creatures, especially dogs. Norbert was like an older brother to his sister-in-law Nancy, and he was extremely close to his niece Courtney, along with his nephews’ wives Anne and Lisa.
Late last year, Fr. Campbell was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and endured two major surgeries and numerous procedures and tests before ultimately succumbing to the disease. The family would like to extend its deepest thanks for the care and comfort he received to the many doctors, nurses, staff and chaplains at: the Vincentian Home, Vincentian Marian Manor and UPMC Mercy.
Fr. Campbell was a private man, who disliked attention and wanted very little recognition for all the selfless acts he did for so many. It will never be the same without Nuncle in our lives.
All are welcome Wednesday, May 29 from 2-7 PM, WILLIAM SLATER II FUNERAL SERVICE, 1650 Greentree Rd., Scott Twp., 412-563-2800, and again on Thursday after 11 AM until the time of his Mass of Christian Burial, 1 PM, Sts. Simon and Jude Church, St. Raphael the Archangel Parish, 1607 Greentree Rd. Interment to follow in Calvary Cemetery. 
www.slaterfuneral.com