Obituary of Ronald A. Campanario

Ronald A. Campanario, 67, of Kensington, passed away on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2014, surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous battle with Multiple Myeloma. For ten years he successfully won the battle against cancer with his usual grace, dignity, and brilliant spirit. Ron's incredible legacy will forever live on in the hearts of his family, dear friends, students and colleagues. Born in New Britain, CT he was the son of the late Antonio (Tony) and Aurelia (Savage) Campanario. He graduated from New Britain Public Schools and went on to obtain his Bachelor of Music Degree at the University of Wisconsin, Superior, later earning a Masters Degree from CCSU. A dedicated music instructor in the Berlin Public Schools, he taught instrumental lessons and band in all of the Berlin Schools during his 36 and a half year tenure, and was named Berlin's Teacher of the Year in 1990-1991. He started many instrumental organizations at the Catherine M. McGee Middle School which included Spartan Band, Green and Gold Band, Select Ensemble and Stage band. Teaching instrumental music lessons in the young grades allowed Mr. Camp the opportunity to watch students grow and develop their musical skills. He loved golfing with his fellow retirees as well as working outside at his property in Kensington. He was a member of the St. Paul Church in Kensington and also the Knights of Columbus, Monsignor Greylish Council #3675 of Kensington. He leaves his high school sweetheart and beloved wife Phyllis of 43 years, a daughter Rhonda Dellaripa and her husband Jonathan, their two children, Luca and Chiara whom he cherished and were the delight of his life, a son Ryan and his wife Stephanie whom were a tremendous help in taking care of the property, a brother, David and his wife Denice of Duluth, Minnesota, a sister-in-law Betty Urso and her husband Carmen along with his loving cousins, Christine and Tom Jasonis, Nancy and Roger Thorin, Linda and Dave Oparowski, Jim and Nancy Campanario, Michael Campanario, Larry and Susan DuPont, Nancy and William Aldridge and Carol and James Lynch. He also leaves his nephews, Christopher Urso, Sal Urso, Rocco Urso, and his wife Jamie, Nick Campanario and his wife Noah Cooper, Angela Pyrik, Matt Campanario and his wife Rebecca, along with Aunts Ruth Campanario and Judy Dupont. Ron, "Campy" was known for his love of life, lasting smile, and a special connection with his family, especially during their cherished family vacations. Friends and family are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial Friday at 10:00 AM at St. Paul's Church, Kensington. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, New Britain. Visiting hours will be Thursday from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M. at the Farrell Funeral Home 110 Franklin Sq. New Britain. The family would like to thank Dr. Neil Wasserman and his medical assistant Laurie. Dr. Jeffery Langsam, his office staff and his three amazing oncology nurses for their tremendous guidance and support. Donations may be made to: Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, 383 Main Avenue 5th Floor, Norwalk, CT 06851 Boston University School of Medicine Amyloid Research Fund, 72 East Concord Street, K-503, Boston, MA 02118