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Bob Shank
Renovo
On Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, the town laid to rest one of its storied citizens. Now there have been many a great man that have hailed from this remote little town. From business owners and politicians, such as Marks, Sockmans, Pagnottos and the Rosamilias. There have been many great athletes and coaches this town has embraced. From Friel, Flores, Logue, Walsh, to the Greenes, Markerts, Burroughs and Morgans. Those individuals and many others have been the pride and legacy of this community's rich history. However, I do not say this lightly when I tell you that they couldn't hold a candle or compete with Tommy Campbell affectionately known as, "The Boss." His smile was contagious and his empathy for others was something to behold. Especially with the children and the elderly. Ironically, Tommy was disabled. They must not have told him that and you would have been hard pressed to see it.
Tommy was a daily fixture at Socky's restaurant, where he ate for free, compliments of the owner Bill Ross. Although he was no freeloader. Many times, he'd peel eggs, wrap silverware in napkins or anything else the waitress needed help with. He was a movie usher at the Rialto theatre but his biggest love was helping set up the stage for the bands performing live. He was no wall flower either, many times he'd be the first one on the dance floor and the last one off and on more than a few occasions sang on stage. Never needing the music, he knew all the songs by heart. Tommy also was an assistant little league coach, he simplified the game for the kids with, "you throw the damn ball, you hit the damn ball, and you catch the damn ball." If they lost and were disappointed, he'd pat them on the shoulder, telling them, "we'll get'em next time." That's who he was. The most genuine person you'd ever meet.
As I said goodbye to my "Special Friend," I could hear his booming voice shouting, "ah, shut up, will ya, we're all special!"