Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Robert M. Campbell, 95, of Melbourne, Florida passed away peacefully November 13, 2016. Born November 25, 1920, in Cleveland, Ohio, he was the only son of Henry Hinton Campbell and Ollie Helphenstine. A true patriot and WW II veteran, he served in the Navy as a F4F Fighter Pilot in multiple engagements including The Battle of Philippines and The Battle of Iwo Jima, where his Carrier the USS Bismarck Sea was sunk with the loss of 318 men. While serving his country, Bob earned both the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Purple Heart. He graduated cum laude from Case Institute of Technology in 1948 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Bob met the love of his life, Ruth E. Zion while they were both in uniform and they married in 1947. After completing his service in WWII, he continued to serve his country as a pilot in the Naval Reserves for 20 years. He put his engineering talents to work as a successful inventor, designer, and manager for Design and Engineering companies and ultimately retired as a division sales manager for Eaton Corporation in 1986 Bob loved spending time with his family, whether he was skiing down the hills of a snow covered mountain or aiming for a hole-in-one on the golf course. He was an avid reader and historian. After retiring, Robert and Ruth moved to Colonial Williamsburg, VA. Loving history as he did, Robert volunteered at The Governors Palace - conducting tours, in full colonial attire, for many thousands of visitors. After the passing of his wife, Bob moved to Indian River Colony Club in Melbourne Florida where he continued to enjoy traveling, golf, dancing, singing and socializing with his many friends. He also loved attending his grandchildren’s multiple activities including ice-skating and football and baseball games. He is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth Heenan (John) of Merritt Island, FL, his son James Campbell (Anita) of Rockledge, FL, his son Peter Campbell (Robin) of NH; grandchildren Joshua, Jeffrey, Sara, Robert, Thomas and Katie;. He was predeceased by his wife, Ruth E. Campbell. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, November 19th at 11am in the Chapel at IRCC (Indian River Colony Club), 1936 Freedom Dr., Melbourne. For those wishing, there will be calling hours from 9am to 10am at Beckman-Williamson Funeral Home, just down the road at 5400 Village Dr., Rockledge Visit Robert’s memorial page at www.rmclifecelebration.blogspot.com