Joseph "Joe" Frank Campolong

Joseph “Joe” Campolong, born November 23, 1935, in the Bronx, New York, to Frank and Jennie Campolong, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2026, surrounded by the legacy of a life defined by faith, family, leadership, and service.

Joe was the eldest child, welcoming his brother Francis ten years later. Raised among dozens of Catholic Italian aunts, uncles, and cousins, his early years in the Bronx were rooted in faith, family traditions, and a strong sense of community that shaped the man he would become.

He attended Catholic schools before earning a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Bridgeport in 1956. His education laid the foundation for one of his greatest joys—building things. Whether engineering complex systems or crafting furniture in his later years, Joe found deep satisfaction in working with his hands. Nothing brought him more pride than building alongside his children on their projects.

After college, Joe attended Officer Candidate School and served in the United States Army. He often credited the Army with instilling in him the discipline and structure that guided his distinguished career and leadership style throughout his life.

The most pivotal moment of his life, however, was meeting and marrying the love of his life, Josette. They shared 66 devoted years of marriage, building a life centered on faith, family, and partnership.

Joe spent 35 years with Pall Corporation, a leader in fluid clarification and filtration for the aerospace industry. Mentored by company founder Dr. Pall, Joe grew from engineer to executive leader, holding numerous patents—including one that significantly benefited efforts during the first Gulf War. In 1971, he relocated his family from New York to St. Petersburg, Florida, to start a new plant and chapter of life. Over time, he built and operated multiple business units employing more than 2,000 people, strengthening both the company and the local communities it served.

Family remained at the center of everything Joe did. He is survived by his beloved wife Josette; his daughter Jeanine and her husband Sean McGahan; his son Jim and his wife Leslie; his son David and his wife Holly; and eight cherished grandchildren.

In retirement, Joe and Josette split time between Lake Toxaway in western North Carolina and Florida before making Reynolds Plantation in Georgia their full-time home for 16 years. There, they hosted countless memorable holidays and family gatherings that remain treasured by all who attended.

Joe had a lifelong love of learning and many passions. Photography was a constant thread throughout his life; he spent hours developing film in his darkroom. Woodworking became a particular joy later in life, and he built furniture and countless projects for family and friends. He and Josette enjoyed golf and country club living in Florida, North Carolina, and Georgia. They traveled extensively, including a month-long stay in Tuscany to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary, joined by all their children and grandchildren—a trip that became a treasured family memory.

Joe was always drawn to the water—oceans, bays, and lakes—and made his home near it whenever possible. He owned boats throughout his adult life, and some of his happiest moments were spent with family on Long Island Sound, Boca Ciega Bay in St. Petersburg, and cruising the Intracoastal Waterway.

Before retiring, Joe’s father reminded him that he had been fortunate and should give back. Joe took those words to heart. In Eatonton, Georgia, he led Habitat for Humanity efforts, helping build dozens of homes. He founded the local Habitat ReStore and worked with county leaders to launch a building apprenticeship program in local high schools, creating opportunities for young people to learn skilled trades.

A devoted and lifelong Catholic, Joe led the building process for a new church in Eatonton and faithfully served as an usher. His faith guided his work, his service, and his love for others.

Joe’s life was marked by quiet strength, generosity, and unwavering devotion to his family and faith. He built not only businesses and homes, but a legacy of character, leadership, and love that will endure for generations.

A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Lanier Village Estates Chapel, located at 4000 Village View Drive, Gainesville, GA 30506.

Those wishing to send online condolences to the family may do so at littledavenport.com

Little & Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory, 355 Dawsonville Highway, SW, Gainesville, Georgia 30501 is in charge of arrangements.

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