Richard Campagnolo

Born on September 5, 1941 in Chicago, IL to the late Victor and Anna (nee Rodella) Campagnolo. Richard grew up in Roseland with his two brothers, the late Victor Jr. Campagnolo and Michael Campagnolo, where he graduated from Mendel Catholic High School in 1959.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Pamela (nee Ores) Campagnolo. He is survived by his son, Ricco Campagnolo, his wife Angela (nee Ward) Campagnolo, and grandchildren Isabella and Maxmillian; and his daughter, Nicole Campagnolo, her husband Jamie Bucci, and granddaughter Vicenza Bucci of Colorado, his brother Michael Campagnolo and numerous sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, nieces and nephews.

Richard Campagnolo, best known as “Rich, Richie, Campy, Mr. Rich or Mr. C” was formidable. He may have seemed to have a tough exterior - some have said they “wouldn’t want to meet him in a dark alley”, but he was a lovable teddy bear.

Before his retirement, Rich worked for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago. After 55 years of loyalty and service, he was awarded a Gold Veterans Badge from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.

A master machinist by trade, Richard possessed an incredible talent of being able to repair, build, or create virtually anything with his hands. If something was broken, Rich was the one you called, and he never hesitated to step up and help those he loved.

His craftsmanship extended far beyond the machine shop and right into the kitchen. Rich was a legend behind the stove, known for feeding his coworkers with rich, hearty soups and epic culinary creations—including his famous Atomic Cakes, built on such a magnificent scale they literally required a sheet of plywood underneath to carry. At family gatherings, his handcrafted gnocchi, homemade ravioli, and antipasto were always the star of the table, eagerly anticipated and lovingly devoured.

When he wasn’t sharing a legendary story or relaxing in his favorite La-Z-Boy, cigar in hand, Richard was living life on his own terms. He was happiest when spending quality time with his family or tinkering away on a new project in his workroom.

Following a long battle with dementia, Richard passed away peacefully on September 24th, 2026 at the age of 85. Though he will be deeply missed, his strength, humor, and legacy of love will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Richard’s honor to Cure Alzheimer’s Fund at https://curealz.org/giving/donate/.

The family will receive friends at Kurtz Memorial Chapel 102E. Francis Rd, New Lenox, IL on Friday, October 2, 2026 from 4 pm - 8 pm. Funeral Services on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 11:00 am in the funeral home chapel. Interment to follow at Assumption Catholic Cemetery, Glenwood, IL.