John "Jim" Campigotto

John “Jim” Campigotto, born January 17th 1927 in Van Lear Kentucky, passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 22nd, 2022 in Ft Myers, Florida. He was reunited with the love of his life and wife of 72 years, Delores “Dee” Campigotto, as well as his oldest son Joseph Campigotto. Jim is survived by his sons John Campigotto, Michael Campigotto and his wife Mary, his four grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Jim was a shining example of America’s “Greatest Generation.” He was born of immigrants and raised in coal country in Van Lear Kentucky, where his family established and ran a boarding house for other immigrants working the coal mines. His early challenges with the rooster when he cleaned the chicken coup would be a story told for generations, and to his dying day he would not eat chicken. After graduating from high school, he served in the US Army during World War II as a guard for prisoners of war. The biting cold conditions left him with frostbite on his feet, an injury that would persist for his life. After he completed his service, he returned home and in 1948 married the love of his life, Delores Short. They moved to Dayton, Ohio where they raised their three sons, Joe, John, and Mike. He learned plumbing skills, and served in that skilled trade for the auto industry until his retirement in 1989. Jim and Dee were snowbirds for many years before moving full time to Estero Florida to enjoy the year round sunshine and warm weather. They were a force to be reckoned with at the card table, on the golf course, or on the shuffleboard court. Jim and Dee were loved by many for their sense of humor, their hospitality, and the quality of their character.

Jim’s hard work and devotion to his family laid the groundwork for the success of the future generations of his family. His example of hard work, toughness, and grit, was matched only by his caring, love, and compassion for those around him. Those who loved him will miss him terribly but will take comfort in celebrating a life well lived: through ups and down, highs and lows, but always lived with love. Thank you, Grandpa.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hope Hospice of Ft. Myers, Florida. Services will be held at St. Columbkille Parish in Fort Myers, Florida on Friday, September 23, 2022 at 10:00 am.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kiserfh.com for the Campigotto family.