Leroy M. Campbell

Leroy Malcolm Campbell, 98, died peacefully on Sunday, November 26, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. He lived his life to the fullest, with a spirited commitment to his country and a devoted love for his family.

Leroy was born on December 18, 1924 in Fitzwilliam, NH, the son of Artiemus and Agnes (Bailey) Campbell. The family soon moved to Winchendon, where he would make his home until moving to Gardner in 2014.

Heeding the call to serve his country in World War II, Leroy enlisted in the United States Navy at 17. He joined the war effort aboard the USS Kilauea AE-4 (later renamed the USS Mount Baker AE-4), replenishing man-of-war ships with ammunition during two tours of Europe. After victory in Europe, he sailed to the South Pacific via the Panama Canal, where he would again rearm ships for battle in the critical final months of the Pacific campaign.

After being honorably discharged, Leroy returned to Winchendon, where he met his beloved wife, Mary Chard. They were married on her birthday, January 6, 1951, and shared their life and love for 43 years until her death in 1994.

Leroy's dedication to his country led him to reenlist in May 1953, and he would continue to serve for another 20 years. He served on the USS LST-1162 (later renamed the USS Wahkiakum County LST-1162), the USS Chevalier DD-805, saw on-shore at the U.S. Naval Submarine Base, Groton, CT, and most memorably aboard the USS Forrestal CVA-59. He concluded his service at the U.S. Naval Station in Washington, D.C., as the dispatcher to the Chief of Naval Personnel with the rank of Chief Boatswain's Mate. After a distinguished naval career, he retired on December 1, 1973.

His valor and committed service earned him numerous medals, including the World War II Victory Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, the American Area Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and five Good Conduct Medals honoring each of his five reenlistments. He was also a Shellback, having sailed across the equator twice.

After retiring from the Navy, Leroy returned home to Winchendon and his beloved wife, Mary. Together, they built a loving home and nurtured two daughters, Lois and Lori. He joined the U.S. Postal Service in 1969, retiring in 1989.

After Mary's death in 1994, Leroy was blessed to find love again and married Janet LaPointe on July 28, 2000, gaining an extended family he deeply cherished. Leroy and Janet enjoyed 23 faithful years of marriage. They enjoyed traveling, spending time with family and watching sports together.

Leroy was an avid golfer and played prestigious courses across the United States. He took great pride in sharing his love of golf with his grandchildren. He was a lifelong fan of the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots. Leroy was a communicant of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, and a member of Eugene M. Connor Post 193, American Legion, and VFW Post 2158. He was a devoted family man who treasured every moment with his daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his wife Mary (Chard) Campbell, sister Marie Hardy-Hoffman, half-brother Gordon Armstrong, stepson Scott A. LaPointe, and step-granddaughters Stacey LaPointe and Jennifer LaPointe.

Leroy leaves his wife, Janet, of Gardner; two daughters, Lois Guy of Athol and Lori Kuzina and her husband Christopher of Winchendon; former son-in-law Anthony LaPointe of Winchendon; grandchildren Corey LaPointe of Los Angeles, CA, Ashley LaPointe of Winchendon, Eric LaPointe of Chelsea, Ross LaPointe and his wife Hannah of Leominster; great-grandchildren Tyler Andrade, Owen LaPointe, Collin Andrade, and Theodore LaPointe; niece Cathy Tenney and her husband Bob of Long Beach, WA, niece Maureen Turgeon and her husband Daniel of Spotsylvania, VA, nephew Richard Chard and his wife Gabby of San Luis Obispo, CA, and nephew Daniel Brow and his wife Laura of Roxbury, NH.

From his marriage to Janet, he leaves behind two stepsons, Linwood LaPointe, Jr. and his partner Rosa Braga of Winchendon and Robert LaPointe of Phillipston; stepdaughter Kim LaPointe, daughter-in-law Deanna LaPointe; step-grandsons Nicholas LaPointe, Jeremy LaPointe and his wife Shauna, Keith LaPointe and his wife Caitlin; and step-great-grandchildren Alexander LaPointe, Emilia LaPointe, Adelyn LaPointe, Norah LaPointe, Kaden LaPointe, Harmony LaPointe, Addison LaPointe, Jack LaPointe and Ryleigh Lafrennie.

He lived every day serving his country, community, and family with joy and purpose.

Calling hours will be held at the Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home in Winchendon on Monday, December 4, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, December 5 at the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery in Winchendon at 10:00 a.m. where he will be interred with full military honors.

Memorial contributions in his name may be made to Wreaths Across America, 4 Point St., PO Box 249, Columbia Falls, ME 04263.

Here he lies where he longed to be; home is the sailor, home from the sea.

Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor, and Melissa A. McQuaid, Funeral Directors