Joseph Francis Campbell

Dr. Joseph Francis Campbell passed away peacefully on Monday, March 31st , 2014 surrounded by his wife Theresa, daughter Larissa, son Rory, son in law Dan, daughter in law Kimberly and his three grandchildren, Quinn, Cassidy and Zoey. Joseph was a native of Doorin, Mountcharles, County Donegal, Ireland. He grew up on a small farm with his widowed mother, Annie and his three siblings: His beloved brothers Pat, current resident of Havertown, Penn, Tommy current resident of Ballybofey, County Donegal, Ireland and dear sister Isobel, now deceased.

As a young man of 18 years he entered the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts in Cootehill, County Cavan, Ireland. Shortly thereafter the Order moved his group to the U.S. Joseph spent 4 years with the order before embarking on a teaching career in Philadelphia. He taught middle school in Coatesville, Pennsylvania and inner city Philadelphia. In the late 1960’s Joseph decided to return to Ireland and his native Donegal. He became a teacher at The Comprehensive School in Glenties and also taught at the Vocational School in Donegal town. During this time Joseph became active in the struggle for civil rights in the North of Ireland. He married Theresa Quinn. Joseph decided on a job change and began his career with the Rehabilitation Institute. This is where his life long advocacy for those with disabilities began. Joseph’s daughter Larissa was born in 1973. He served with the Institute until his return to the U.S. and California in 1976. Joseph became Director of The Work Training Center in Chico California and also embarked on his Master’s Degree at USF in San Francisco. Joseph’s son Rory Quinn was born in 1977.

In 1980 Joseph and his family moved to Massachusetts where Joseph continued his career in social services as Executive Director of Community Enterprises in Northampton, Mass. It was there he earned his Phd in Education from Umass, Amherst. Joe served as CEO of Community Enterprises until 1998 when he returned to California to become CEO of Hope Services. During his tenure at Hope Services he earned a Fellowship from Stanford University. Joseph retired from Hope Services in June 2012 having spent a lifetime of advocacy on behalf of people with disabilities in Ireland, Massachusetts and California. Upon his retirement he was awarded the prestigious Eagle Award for “Service above Self” from the San Andreas Regional Center. Joseph was also recognized by California State Senator Jim Beall for his years of dedicated advocacy, leadership, friendship and support for individuals with developmental disabilities. Joseph loved his family, community and his work colleagues. He was proud to be Irish, loved music, always found a positive outlook on life, he was generous and kind to everyone he met. He was a good and decent man. May he Rest in Peace!

Joseph leaves behind his wife of 42 years Theresa, Daughter, Larissa Anne Robideaux, Son, Rory Quinn Campbell, Son in Law, Dan Robideaux, Daughter in Law Kimberly Kristek Campbell, Grandchildren, Quinn Emerson Robideaux, Cassidy McCollion Robideaux, Zoey Alise Campbell and Olivia Rose Campbell