Joe Campbell ‘Changed A Lot Of Hearts,’ Many Recall At Today’s Rites

Oz Smith, a pal of Joe Campbell and former WDOS announcer who also sang on Broadway, sings his original composition, “By The Time Tomorrow Comes,” for his old friend, ending with the standard, “Without a Song,” concluding, “I know there ain’t no love at all without a song.” At right is Joe’s portrait from his radio days.. (Jim Kevlin/AllOTSEGO.com)

By JIM KEVLIN • Special to www.AllOTSEGO.com

"Big Chuck" D'Imperio remembers his radio colleague's hearty handshake, infectious laugh and "pure joy for the art of broadcasting."

ONEONTA – Take heart.

The 100 friends and admirers at "Voice of Oneonta" Joseph Campbell's memorial service this morning certainly did, wife Judith reminded them of one of her husband's favorite exhortations in good times and bad: "Life is just a bowl of cherries. Everything will be OK."

That wasn't always the case for Campbell, you might think, but you'd be wrong, judging from the testimony at the hour-long service at the Elks Club.

In failing health, he spent the last few years before he passed away at Hampshire House, but he loved life to the end, said son Joe: When one of his granddaughters reminded him he was almost "91 and a half," Campbell was delighted. He passed away on March 6, 2019, at "91 and a half," after hearing "The Campbells Are Coming," performed on bagpipes.

CLICK TO REVISIT JOE CAMPBELL'S OBITUARY

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100 CELEBRATE 'VOICE OF ONEONTA'