Obituary |
WEST HARTFORD (7/22/2010) - The Rev. Dr. Charles G. Campbell, who served churches in Vermont and Connecticut during his forty years of pastoral service, died peacefully on Wednesday, July 21, in West Hartford, following a cerebral hemorrhage suffered on June 9. He was 83.
Dr. Campbell served in parish ministry in the United Church of Christ for forty years, retiring as Senior Pastor from the First Congregational Church in Springfield, Vermont in 1992. His prior service includes Poquonock Community Church in Windsor (1953-1958), Second Congregational Church in Waterbury (1958-1960), and the United Congregational Church in West Norwalk (1960-1973).
Charlie received his education from Colgate University, Chicago Theological Seminary, and Pacific School of Religion. In addition, he was a graduate of the Institutes of Religion and Health in New York and Andover Newton Theological School, from which he earned his Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Care and Counseling. He was a clinical member of the American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC) and the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT).
Dr. Campbell helped to bridge the theological and psychological fields in the service of pastoral ministry. He established several pastoral counseling centers and was the first president of the Northern New England Division of the AAMFT. He was known for nurturing lay leadership in the parish setting, with a special focus on small groups and family and marriage enrichment. During World War II, he served as a Radio Operator aboard a troop transport in the Merchant Marine.
Charlie is survived by his wife and life-partner of sixty-plus years, Pennie (Simmons). They took particular delight in watching the gifts and abilities of their children and grand-children blossom. He was a dear father to Penny Richard of Windsor; the Rev. Dr. Geordie and Pam Campbell of West Hartford; Elsie and Jeff Faul of Danbury; Peter Campbell and Melissa Hostetter of Andover, Massachusetts; and Liz and Tim Lisko of Fairfax, Virginia. He was endeared as “Pop Pop” to Sarah Richard and her fiancé Mike Murphy; Katie (Richard) Werth and her husband Tim; Emma Richard and her fiancé Charles Buder; Tim Campbell; Karen Campbell; Meghan (Faul) Hance and her husband Brandon; Aimee Faul; Reid Campbell; Joshua Lisko; Jacob Lisko; and Joseph Lisko. He is also survived by a sister-in-law, Patricia Giardini, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two sisters, Janet Barbour and June Cavasso.
A service to celebrate Charlie’s life was held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, July 24 at the First Church in Windsor, Congregational UCC, where he and Pennie have been active members. Memorial Donations may be made to First Church in Windsor Memorial Garden Fund, First Congregational Church, Springfield, VT, or Masonicare Hospice. Carmon Community Funeral Homes is in charge of arrangements.
