Thomas “Tommy” Campbell, 67, of Tarpon Springs, FL, formerly of Kensington, CT passed away peacefully after a short illness on February 19, 2026.  He was born on November 10, 1958 in New Britain, CT and was the son of the late Arthur and Loretta (Callahan) Campbell.

Tommy was one of four siblings, including his “older” twin sister, Maureen (...by 4 minutes). He spent the early formative years of his life in New Britain, CT, attending Stanley Holmes School and where he began developing early his love of sports while playing Farm and Little League baseball with his brother Billy. After the family moved to Kensington, CT, Tommy continued playing Little League, and over time his athletic interests evolved into a lasting passion for basketball. Growing up in Kensington, he served as an altar server at St. Paul Church and began learning the value of hard work at an early age. As a teenager he held jobs landscaping and later joined his three other siblings “the Campbell Kids” working at Friendly’s in Meriden, experiences that helped shape his strong work ethic.

Tommy’s life was defined by passion, devotion, and an extraordinary ability to bring joy to those around him.  A lifelong lover of sports, he first channeled his competitive spirit not only playing soccer and basketball as a high school player at St. Thomas Aquinas (New Britain) but also later on the court (...like his dad Artie) playing at the University of Connecticut West Hartford branch.

Tommy later graduated from the UConn with a degree in Finance, launching what would become a distinguished 35-year career in the insurance industry. Throughout his career, he served as a Litigation Claims Manager for several major insurance companies, where he was widely respected for his expertise, sound judgment, and professionalism. In this role, Tommy managed complex claims and worked closely with legal teams, earning the trust of colleagues and clients alike. His dedication and skill allowed him to build a successful and well-regarded career in a demanding field.

The basketball court was a special place where his competitive spirit and discipline flourished, and and where he formed friendships through the game that lasted for decades. When his playing days ended, his connection to basketball only deepened. He became a highly respected official, refereeing at an elite level in CT and later throughout central FL in high school, AAU, and women’s college basketball. For Tommy, basketball was never just about wins and losses. It was about community, mentorship, discipline, and love of the game. Whether lacing up his sneakers as a player or stepping onto the floor with a whistle in hand, he carried that passion with him throughout his life.

Later in life, while spending much of his time in Florida, Tommy embraced several new passions that reflected his love of the outdoors and the warm climate he cherished. An avid fitness enthusiast since his college days, he continued to enjoy regular visits to the gym and staying active. He also discovered a love for team road biking, joining local cycling groups and relishing the camaraderie and the miles spent riding beneath Florida’s sunny skies. Perhaps most of all, he grew to treasure the beaches on both coasts of the state, spending many peaceful days with family or friends by the water and fully embracing the beautiful weather and relaxed lifestyle.

Above all else, Tommy’s greatest pride and deepest devotion were his two beautiful daughters, Courtney and Kaitlyn. He raised them in both CT and FL, pouring his energy and heart into every stage of their lives. Whether he was coaching their youth soccer teams, driving them to practices, or cheering from the sidelines, he was fully present — not just as a father, but as their biggest fan and steadfast supporter. He took immense joy in helping them pursue their passions and watching them grow into the remarkable women they are today. His love for them was constant and unmistakable.

Tommy is survived by his loving daughters Courtney Campbell of Tampa, FL and Kaitlyn Campbell of Orlando, FL.  Also surviving are his siblings William Campbell of Canton, CT and his partner Dorothy McKeon, Kathleen Campbell of Cromwell, CT and her partner Brent Berti, and Maureen Carlson of Kensington, CT and her husband Lennart.  Among those left to cherish his memory are his nieces and nephews, Ryan Tibbling and his wife Malissa, Daniel Carlson and his wife Laura, Andrew Carlson, Jacqueline Carlson and her fiancé Jacob Hall, and Chelsea Dunlevy and her husband Major Matthew Dunlevy USMC, as well as great nieces Peyton, Remi, Sienna, Brooke, Harper and Amara.  Besides his parents, Tommy was predeceased by his sister-in-law Laurie Porter Campbell and great nephew Jonah Tibbling.

Though he and Millie divorced later in life, they remained united in their love for their daughters. In his final days, Millie’s unwavering support — especially as she stood by and helped their daughters while Tommy was in the ICU — was an extraordinary act of compassion and grace that reflected the deep bond they all shared as a family.

Tommy had a rare gift for living in the moment. When he entered a room, he brought warmth with him. He made people feel comfortable, seen, and valued. His quick wit and easy humor could dissolve tension and draw laughter from anyone nearby. He had a way of putting a smile on every face — a light that will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Tommy’s family will receive relatives and friends Saturday morning, April 25, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Farrell Funeral Home at 110 Franklin Square New Britain, CT.  A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Paul Catholic Church at 11:30 am in Kensington, CT followed by interment of his ashes in the family plot at St. Mary’s Cemetery in New Britain.  Courtney, Tommy’s daughter, has requested that those attending the services consider wearing something blue, or a University of Connecticut item, in honor of her dad’s lifelong love of the color and his cherished connection to UConn athletics.  Note: For those unable to attend the funeral in person, the Mass will be livestreamed through the St. Paul Parish website: https://stpaulkensington.org.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Tommy’s memory may be made to the American Stroke Association (stroke.org). The family also wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff and caregivers at the Empath Health Hospice in N. Pinellas Park, FL for the loving care and kindness they provided to Tommy during his final days.