Shrewsbury – Longtime Shrewsbury resident Michael Campaniello, 75, passed away Friday, May 23, 2014, surrounded by his family and friends after a brief illness.
Mike was born June 14, 1938 in Worcester, a son of Michael and Ann (Bardellini) Campaniello. He graduated from Worcester Vocational High School and Fisher College. He then worked at the General Motors Assembly Plant in Framingham; also serving in the Massachusetts Army National Guard.
In 1959, Mike married the love of his life, Jean Caparso. They moved to Shrewsbury in 1966, where they raised their three children and still live today.
If you live in or around Shrewsbury, you probably knew Mike – and how dedicated he was to his community. He served as a member and later Chairman of both the School Committee and Finance Committee and as a Town Meeting Member for more than 30 years. In recognition of his community service, Mike was a gubernatorial appointee to the Shrewsbury Housing Authority.
Mike was the kind of guy everyone wanted on their team. He was deeply loved by his family and friends, appreciated by his community, and respected as a businessman.
He owned Campaniello Electric for more than 50 years and fostered many long-lasting relationships throughout Worcester County. He also served as the Facilities Manager at Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School in Upton, and was instrumental in the construction of Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School in Charlton, where he ultimately served as its Director of Vocational Education.
Mike was passionate about travel, vacationing and spending time with his family, especially at his home on Lake Winnipesauke in New Hampshire. His love for the sun kept him tan, even in the coldest of winters. He was an avid boater, hunter and angler – and traveled the world with his close friends pursuing these hobbies.
He was a member of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts, as well as a past president of UNICO. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Lions Club, and the Worcester Lodge Sons of Italy, where he was a longtime player in their bocce league.
A loving and devoted husband of 55 years, Mike is survived by his wife, Dr. Jean Campaniello; son Mark Campaniello of Shrewsbury; son and daughter-in-law, Paul and Debra Campaniello of Shrewsbury; son and daughter-in-law, David and Eirinn Campaniello of Shrewsbury; seven grandchildren, Michael II, Nina, Marissa, Gianni, Michaela, Maria and Sienna Campaniello, all of Shrewsbury; brother Joseph Campaniello of Louden, N.H.; and two nieces and three nephews.
His Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, May 28, at 10:00 a.m., in St. Mary's Church, 640 Main St., Shrewsbury. (Please go directly to church.) Burial with military honors will follow in St. John Mausoleum.
Memorial remembrances may be made to the Dr. Lillian R. Goodman Scholarship Fund, care of Department of Nursing, Worcester State University, 486 Chandler St., Worcester, MA 01602.
