Father Richard W. Campo

The Reverend Richard W. Campo, Rector of Holy Family Villa for Priests, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania died November 17, 2008 at the age of 63.

A native of Summit Hill, PA he was the son of the late Gino and Rachel Cunning Campo. He attended Saint Joseph Grade School, Summit Hill, PA and Marian High School, Tamaqua, PA.

Prior to becoming a Priest, Father Campo served his country proudly in the U.S. Air Force from 1963-1974. He was also a member of the Summit Hill American Legion and the Knight's of Columbus.

Father Campo studied for the Priesthood at Mount Saint mary's Seminary, Emmitsburg, Maryland. He was ordained to the Priesthood at the Cathedral of St. Catherine in Allentown on June 8, 1985 by The Most Reverend Thomas J. Welsh, D.D.

His first assignment began on June 20, 1985, when Father Campo was assigned as Assistant Pastor of Saint Peter Parish in Reading from 1985-1986. He also served as Assistant Pastor of Holy Infancy Parish in Bethlehem from 1986-1989; Chaplin at Sacred Heart Hospital in Allentown in 1990; Assistant Pastor of St. Paul Parish in Allentown from 1990-1995; Assistant Pastor of Notre Dame of Bethlehem Parish from 1995-1997; Assistant Pastor of St. Jane Frances de Chantal Parish in Easton from 1997-1998; Assistant Pastor of St. Anne Parish in Bethlehem from 1998-1999; Assistant Pastor of St. Bernard Parish in Easton from 1999-2001; and Rector of Holy Family Villa for Priests in Bethlehem from 2001-present.

During the course of his Priestly Ministry Father Campo was assigned as Regional Director of youth Ministries in the Lehigh and Northampton Deaneries.

Father Campo is survived by his brother, James Campo of Summit Hill, PA, sisters Regina Kociolek of Landsford, PA and Marguerite Cerimele and husband Fred of Nesquehoning, PA. He is also will be remembered by several nieces and nephews.

Father Campo was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Campo and two sisters, Joanne Bauer and Mary Lowry.

Services: A viewing will be held tonight in St. Joseph Church, 469 W. Ludlow St., Summit Hill, PA. from 6-9 PM with Vigil Service at 7:30 PM. Calling hours will be on Thursday, November 20, 2008 from 9-11 AM in the church followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery, Summit Hill, PA.

Arrangements Connell Funeral Home, Inc., Bethlehem, PA.

Memorial contributions may be made in Father Campo's name to St. Joseph Church 469 W. Ludlow St., Summit Hill, PA.