William Anthony "Bill" Campanaro, Jr.

Mr. William Anthony "Bill" Campanaro, Jr., age 64, of Utica, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, February 20, 2006, at his home. Born in Utica on January 5, 1942, Bill was the son of the late William Sr. and Carmella "Cora" (Candido) Campanaro. Raised and educated locally, he attended Utica Catholic Academy. Later he studied at New York University where he graduated Summa Cum Laude with a master's degree in nursing. Over the course of his successful and rewarding career as a Registered Nurse, Mr. Campanaro was employed with many of the major hospitals in New York City, including Sloan-Kettering, Mt. Sinai, Beth-Israel, St. Vincent's, and Columbia Presbyterian. For some years prior to his retirement he attended many people as a private duty nurse. Bill was proud of his family roots, his Italian heritage, and the traditional values with which he was brought up. He incorporated these aspects of his background and upbringing into his daily life. Blessed with a humorous outlook and manner as well as with a generous spirit, he had many friends and would gladly "offer the shirt off his back" in order to help any one of them, or even to assist a stranger. He lived life to the fullest and derived great pleasure from his many and wide-ranging interests. From the serenity of the Adirondacks to the excitement of NYC, he enjoyed everything that New York has to offer. In the city life that he loved his preferred activities included dining out at various and diverse restaurants and savoring the solitude of Chelsea Pier. Always a lover of the arts, he also enjoyed attending Broadway shows. Bill loved to travel to Europe; most memorable was his cruise on the Queen Elizabeth II. As a pastime he enjoyed playing cards, especially bridge, an interest he pursued with the members of his bridge club. Bill was deeply devoted to his Catholic faith and to his patron saint, St. Anthony. Mr. Campanaro is survived by his very dear and very close friend, Rick Wray of NYC; and he leaves his faithful pet companion, Lucy, a West Highland Terrier. His survivors also include three sisters, Nicoletta "Nikki" Campanaro, Josephine DeNigro, and Carmelita Verdura, all of Utica; his uncles and aunt, Raymond Candido, Al Candido, both of Utica, and Josephine Candido of New Hartford; and his nieces and nephews, including his nephew and special godson, Rocco, his namesake, William Anthony, Donna, Mary Ann, and John; many great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. In addition, in both Utica and NYC he leaves many dear and cherished friends too numerous to mention. He was predeceased by his uncle, Joseph Candido; and by the members of the Campanaro family, the Marucci Family, the Frasca family, and the Aquino family, all of Rome, NY. The family extends its sincere gratitude to Bill's friend, Rick, for the care and attention which he offered to Bill throughout the years. Visitation will be held today (Thursday) from 4-7 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial donations in Bill's honor to the American Heart Assn. or to St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Mr. Campanaro's funeral will commence on Friday morning at 10:30 from the funeral home and at 11:30 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery.

William Anthony "Bill" Campanaro, Jr.

January 5, 1942 - February 20, 2006