Walter T. Campbell

died peacefully on Saturday, March 19, 2016 at the age of 81.
Walter is survived by his wife of 56 years, Ann (Bussoletti) Campbell, sons Michael Campbell and his wife Stacey of Coventry, and David Campbell and his wife Kathy of Hopkinton, MA. He also leaves his daughter, Patricia Ricci of East Greenwich, seven grandchildren, and a sister Marjorie Peuffier of East Greenwich. He is preceded in death by his parents Walter and Mabel (Millette) Campbell and stepmother Irene Campbell. Also preceded in death are his sister, Patricia Wishnevsky and brother Thomas Campbell.

Walter was born in Pawtucket, RI, graduating from Pawtucket East in 1952, and Stonehill College in 1956 with a degree in teaching. Walter furthered his education at Rhode Island College, earning a Masters Degree and Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies.

An accomplished basketball player in his youth, Walter played high school basketball for Pawtucket East where they were the Class A champions in 1952. At Stonehill College, Walter played varsity basketball from 1952-1956 and helped the team earn the title of All Conference First Team in 1954.

A proud veteran, Walter served as a seaman in the US Navy from 1956 - 1958, serving aboard USS Robert K. Huntington DD 781 Destroyer. Walter continued to play basketball for the Atlantic Fleet Destroyer Force Team of Norfolk, VA, which won the Atlantic Fleet Championship in 1958.

Walter coached basketball and other sports throughout his career as a social studies teacher at Cranston High School West from 1960 until he retired as Social Studies Department Chairperson in 1990. He coached the CHSW boys basketball team to several state playoffs and the 1969-70 team was undefeated in league play. He also coached the girls softball team at CHSW from 1984-1988 and in October of 1990, the softball field was designated the Walter "Walt" Campbell Softball Field in recognition of his contribution to CHSW sports. After his retirement from teaching, Walter coached the women's basketball team at CCRI from 1994-1996.

In addition to coaching, Walter worked as a basketball and football official from 1970-1997. In his career he also served as President of the Boys Basketball Coaches Association and Vice President of the Girls Basketball Coaches Association. Walter was an avid golfer and member of RI Golf Association.

Funeral from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Ave., Cranston on Wednesday at 9:45 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in St. Gregory the Great Church, 360 Cowesett Rd., Warwick. Burial with military honors will be at St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. VISITING HOURS are WEDNESDAY MORNING from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Hope Hospice & Palliative Care RI, 1085 North Main St., Providence, RI 02904.