CAMPANA, Richard A. On Wednesday, October 10, 2018, of Boston, loving brother and Uncle, passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 87. Richard, “Dick”, was born October 26, 1930 in Newton, MA to the late Lazarus and Mary Catherine (Reddam) Campana. He was a graduate of Wellesley High School, class of 1948, and served as a medic in the US Navy. He attended Harvard University extension school, taking course study in law, and attended Real Estate courses at Northeastern University to obtain his brokers license. Dick had his own Real Estate company, Campana Real Estate, for 50 years. He had a passion for being an entrepreneur from an early age, starting his own Xmas decorating company for Howard Johnson restaurants and local shops in Wellesley. He also had a passion for politics and prided himself with helping JFK get elected to Congress and the Senate, especially representing Wellesley as the president of the Young Democrats Society. Dick’s love of singing was known throughout many circles, to include St. Paul’s, the Treasury Notes Singers with former Treasurer Bob Crane, and most notably his 28 year history of singing in the choir of the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Boston.
What propelled Dick from the start was working in the appointed position of Head Administrative Assistant to the Honorable Joseph Ward - Secretary of the Commonwealth from 1959-1961. Dick served on the criminal justice committee of the commonwealth of Mass, and MHFA (Mass Housing Financial Agency). He served on the board of the Wellesley Housing Authority for 8 years.
Dick prided himself to be a member of the Clover Club (the oldest Irish exclusive club in Boston), and cherished the friendships he made there through the years. His positive attitude was always infectious and his kindness was exposed to everyone. His best days were spent overlooking the salt marshes and ocean views from his deck, where Wood End lighthouse would be welcoming the dusk with its blinking beacon, and his favorite dog at his side.
Dick was preceded in death by his sister Nancy Hansen of Sherborn, MA. He is survived by his sister Carolyn Motta of Sandwich, MA, niece Debra Motta Burke of Holliston, nephew Clifford Hansen of Natick, nephew Stephen Hansen of Natick, niece Heidi Hansen Cadman of Grafton, and several great nieces and nephews.
Visitation at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 477 Washington St., (Rt.16) WELLESLEY, Monday, Oct. 15 from 9:30-10:30am followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Paul Church, 502 Washington St., Wellesley at 11:00am. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Interment in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Needham. Donations may be made in Richard’s name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, https://www.stjude.org/donate.