Thursday, February 8, 2024

Gelean "Bud" Campbell

Gelean "Bud" Campbell


Born in Wenham to the late Gelean Goodwill and Margaret (Massie) Campbell, Bud shared many fond memories growing up with his cousins in Wenham. He was raised and spent most of his life in Hamilton. He attended the Hamilton public schools and was elected captain of the football, basketball, and baseball teams his senior year at Hamilton High School, graduating with the class of 1949.

He then studied at Boston University, where he played for a short time on the football team. Prior to his senior year, during the Korean War, he served two years in the army with the 716th Military Police Unit. Returning to BU, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1956, with majors in Mathematics, Physical Education, and Biological Science. In 1969, he earned his Master’s degree in Administration from Salem State College.

Bud’s career focused on educating children and serving the town of Hamilton. Hired to teach mathematics at Topsfield High School in 1956, Masconomet Regional High School in 1959, and Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School in 1971, he thoroughly enjoyed every day of his 38 years in the classroom with his students. He is remembered for his enthusiasm, wit, and ability to connect with his students, and for his service as a golf and tennis coach. He also served on several boards for the town of Hamilton, including the recreation department (3 years), finance committee (7 years), and board of assessors (25 years). Bud was also a member of the John T. Heard Masonic Lodge in Ipswich, the Arab Patrol Unit of the Aleppo Shriners in Wilmington, and the A. P. Gardner American Legion Post 194 in Hamilton.

Bud was the devoted husband of Eileen (Hannon) Campbell. He is survived by their three sons Gelean (and his wife, Holly Sinton) of Amesbury, Chris (and his wife, Brenda Doyle) of Hamilton, and Jeff of Bel Air, MD. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Cailin of Brooklyn, NY, James, Lindsay, Eileen, Alison, and Gaby, all of Hamilton, and his nieces and nephews.

After his retirement from teaching in 1994, he and Eileen began to travel. He also was at her side throughout her courageous ten-year battle with cancer. He would often comment on how blessed he was to have spent 37 years of marriage with Eileen, whom he met on the dance floor at the Kosciuszko Club in Ipswich. After her passing, he says he was blessed for a second time - this time on a dance floor in North Reading. In 2003, he and Juanita Vreeland married. Through 20 years of marriage, they enjoyed dancing, traveling, visiting with her extended family, and helping to keep each other young.

His funeral service will be held at the First Congregational Church of Wenham at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 10. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held at the Campbell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot Street, Beverly, on Friday, February 9th between 4:00 and 7:00 PM. For those who wish, donations may be made in Bud’s memory to Aleppo Shriners Children’s Transportation Fund, 99 Fordham Road, Wilmington, MA 01887-0578. Information, directions, condolences at www.CampbellFuneral.com.