Salem….

John J. "Jack" Campbell, age 79, husband of Ruth A. (Cullinane) Campbell, of Salem died at home Monday morning, August 8, 2011. On November 5, 2010, they had celebrated 49 years of marriage.


Born in Chelsea, MA the son of the late Joseph Duncan and Vivian (Kelly) Campbell, he was raised and educated in Revere schools, graduating from Revere High School in the Class of 1951. Mr. Campbell then attended Wentworth Institute pursuing an education in electrical engineering.


During that time, he began working part time at the amusement park on Revere Beach earning the dual position of both mechanic and Manager. As his reputation grew the Xanthaky family, then the owners of the Salem Willows Amusement Park, also engaged his mechanical services as needed. In 1972, Mr. Campbell was given the opportunity to purchase the Salem Willows Arcades, and he established his family business and took great pride in seeing the business grow. It is now in its second and third generation of operation. He was a member of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, The New England Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, and past president of the Salem Willows Merchants Association.

A great family man, he had been an avid boater, past President of the Harbourside Association in Moultonborough, NH, and a lifelong member of the Elks.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Campbell is survived by three children, Troy Campbell and his wife Laureen, Patricia Crawford and her husband Charles, and Eric Campbell and his wife Christine, all of Salem; a sister Joyce Frederick of Ayer; six grandchildren, Ashley and Michael Crawford, Aaron, John, Skye and Brooke Campbell; a lifelong friend, Jean Lobbregt of Saugus and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a daughter, Michelle Campbell and a sister, Ruth Condon.

His funeral will be held on Saturday, August 13, 2011 at 9:00 AM from the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal ST (cor of North St) Salem to be followed by a funeral Mass at 10:00 AM in the Immaculate Conception Church, Hawthorne Blvd, Salem. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours will be on Friday from 4:00PM to 8:00 PM. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to The Plummer Home for Boys, 37 Winter Island Rd., Salem, MA 01970. For online guest book or additional information please call 978 744 0497 or visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com.