Joseph Campana Obituary

Joseph Roy Campana Resident of Lafayette Oct. 7, 1920 - June 5, 2011 Joe Campana passed away suddenly on Sunday, June 5th, his wife of 70 years by his side. He was born in Oakland, California, graduated from Oakland Technical High School, married his high school sweetheart, then, served his country in the Army Air Corps during World War two. After returning home from his tour of duty he briefly worked as a plumber his Uncle, Joseph A. Fazio in Oakland. In 1946 he decided to follow his passion (music) and opened Campana Music in Lafayette. He ran the store for 64 years working 6 days a week for 9 hours a day up until the day before his death. Campana Music is the oldest business still in operation in the city's history. Throughout many generations, thousands upon thousands of budding young musicians have rented their instruments and taken lessons at Campana Music. Joe also supported the community by sponsoring hundreds of LMYA teams throughout the years ... pictures of the teams along with Oakland Raider (he was a die-hard fan) memorabilia adorn the walls of his historic store. Joe, himself, was quite an accomplished musician having played the accordion for over 85 years. His wife, family and music were truly the loves of his life. He is survived by his loving wife, Josie; devoted children Mari Kolb (Chuck) of Danville and son Dana Campana, of Seattle, Washington; three grandchildren, Alison Zygutis of Danville, Brandon Kolb (Engla) of Flower Mound, TX and Justin Campana of Seattle, Washington. He is also survived by four great- grandchildren, Madeline Foster, Joseph Sylvia, Brandon Kolb Jr. (Junior), and Crosby Kolb. He is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and many, many friends. A private service and burial will be held. Friends and family are invited to join in a celebration of Joe's life on Saturday, June 11th anytime between the hours of 12-3pm at Petar's in Lafayette- one of Joe's favorite restaurants! All musical instruments (and performances) welcome! In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that donations be made to a music fund in Joe's name to further music programs in our local public schools. Please make checks payable to Campana Music - Musical Education Fund c/o Campana Music 990 Moraga Rd. Lafayette, CA 94549 or just drop or just drop it off at the store which will continue to operate under long time friend and employee, Ben Renwick.

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Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Jun. 7 to Jun. 8, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Campana

7 Entries

Mari Sousa Campbell

June 14, 2011

JoJo was a family friend for most of my life. I will always remember that boisterous laughter and kind heart. Glad I got to see him last time 'i was in the area. Cheers to a long, happy and prosperous life.

Maureen Straw

June 9, 2011

Our prayers for Joe and his wonderful family. He will always be remembered at Pied Piper Preschool for his generous gift of our play structure. The current students are still playing and enjoying his gift.

Charles Richison

June 9, 2011

I was shocked when I heard the news. I thought Joe would live forever. I was looking forward to seeing him in the next week because my son will become a third generation customer of Campana's. My prayers go out to Joe's family and his employees, who I know are all heartbroken.

Susan and Larry Bellusa

June 8, 2011

We were very sad to hear about the loss of Joe. We have known him for many years. I would pass him in my car as he was walking to Millies for breakfast with his friends, and I waited on him at Wells Fargo Bank for years. He was very friendly and happy and always put a smile on our faces.He will be missed. God Bless You, Joe

June 8, 2011

I have fond memories of Joe, both from the Royal Hawaiian and the music store where we allI loved to hang out and listen to records in the 60's. My best to Josie and the family.
Leigh Disharoon Cool

Michelle Poole

June 8, 2011

My sincerest condolences on the loss of Joe. I have been a customer for the last two years, getting instruments for my two children and private lessons for my daughter. Every time I went in, there was Joe with a hearty 'buon giorno' in response to my buon giorno. I will truly miss his smiling face. My thoughts and prayers are with Joe's family and friends. God Bless.

Dan Del Fiorentino NAMM Historian

June 7, 2011

My thoughts and prayers are with Joe's beloved family and his staff during this difficult time. Joe had a real love for the music business and encouraged many music makers during his long career. I was so honored to have met him last year when I went to his store to video tape his Oral History for the music products industry, located in the NAMM library. He will be missed.

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