Vito Leonard John Campy" Campanale

Vito Leonard John "Campy" Campanale, born May 1,1923 in Akron, passed away May 7, 2008.

He was a life long area resident who graduated from North High School and was a all around athlete who lettered in track, cross country, basketball and football. Leonard was also a boxer and winner of the Akron Golden Gloves Championship in 1942-1943. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and while in training was the regimental welterweight champion in 1943. He then was offered sergeant's stripes to join the Special Service to entertain troops, which he turned down to stay with his comrades he trained with. He still boxed during his regular Army service and was a co-champ in the welterweight division of the South Pacific Armed Forces. "Campy" was very active in veteran and community services. He was voted Veteran of the Year 1991. He had deep compassion for his fellow man, and also served his Firestone Local 7 membership as an executive officer and as a plant committeeman for over 20 years at Firestone Plant 1 and at Defense Products during the Korean War. He retired from Firestone with over 40 years of service.

Preceded in death by daughter, Lori Shalnaker; he is survived by loving wife and best friend, Ann; sons, Richard of Akron, Jack (Sandi) and Michael (Tammy) of Georgia; daughter, Mary Lou (Hank) Newcome of Bowling Green Ohio; son-in-law, Bernie Stalmaker; many loving grandchildren; and great-grandchildren; numerous other relatives and close friends.