He was a great SGT. I first met him at Rynning Unit.  He was always in a good mood. He stood up for staff when they were in the right.  I always liked him very much. I didnt realize just how much I learned from him until later in my career.
Aaron McMeekan

     Joe was a real nice guy as I remember him as a teenager in high school and then we went to Island Drafting after that. I didnt have any wheels then so he used to pick me up for school in his folks Oldsmobile Cutless, I think it was around a 1967 with the black vinyl top as well as I can recall. We kept in touch for a while but then I joined the Air Force in 1971 and moved away from Lindenhurst and we lost touch since I stayed in for 25 yrs. I also remember that he was seeing a pretty Gal and her name was Joanne. Often wondered if they ever got married or was it a teenage crush. 
    It was a pleasure to get to know Joe as a teenager and be his friend. I'm sorry to hear of his passing but we know that he is in Gods loving care. I thinking he had a good life because he was such a nice young man for me to have such a good memory of our friendship together after so many years.

Bob Ciappetta
      

It has been many yrs since I moved away from Lindenhurst but I remember Joe well as a teenager and young guy. We used to drive to school together and I still remember the 1972 Cutlass he drove. Even then a very nice caring and considerate guy who was lots of fun. Im sorry to hear of your passing but I know you are in Gods House now and there is no better place. Thank you for being my friend so many years ago.

I have more memories than Joe had hair on his head.  We loved & laughed & cried together and I'm sick at the loss of my brother, friend, confidant, cousin.   A wonderful loving man who got short changed way too often.
Missing you my fra.

XOXO 
Donna

I'll never forget the time you, Barb, Randy and I were at the Funny Bone here in Des Moines.  We had the best time with lots of laughs.  Now you can be with my sister again.  I love you brother.  

Joe, I didn't know you as long as most.  It has been very many years.  What I do remember was your fun, outgoing, sweet personality.   Rest In Peace.  
Eileen Rega...Lindenhurst Native.  

Joe was like a second father to me growing up. I called him my papa. He worked with my dad at the prision. Me and Brianna were besties and would hang out all the time. Joe always was smiling and so caring and loving. Treated me like his own. He would make us laugh and smile always. He is a great man and will truly be missed by many. He has touched so many hearts and guided many to be better and see the great things in life. Papa we all love you and miss you and will remember you always. 

 "campy".  may you rest in peace brother.  a fine man,  many a good memory.

I knew Joe for a few years. he rode the same van that I did going to DOC. He was a great man that was considerate,  polite and understanding. See you again someday ......

We were friends for over 25 years. I met him working at the prison. I never imagined that we would become like family. The BBQ,s on the weekends. The parties we had. Car pools. We never had a dull moment. He was always happy and smiling. Made us laugh. He was one of my best friends and knew he was someone anyone could depend on.. I love you j oe.. you are going to be missed by many.. I even got to know how family and I know he was so proud of how they all turned it.. Lori,Mike,bri, I'm sorry for your loss. 

Was my favorite kitchen Sarge at Browning Unit ( SMU II) and gave me very sage advice  " the more hurried I go the more behind I get"


I was one of his first supervisors when he came to SMU I. He was willing to learn and was a capable officer.  The kind that I wished I had a shift full of. I was hoping to bump into him one more time at least. I like to think of him as a friend and I’ll miss him greatly. Thanks for the wonderful times and things we went through together. 

OBITUARY

Joseph James Campagna

July 30, 1950 – April 1, 2019

Valley of the Sun Mortuary & Cemetery

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