This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.

Gerard “Gerry” R. Campion died peacefully on May 11 after courageously fighting male breast cancer for 13 years. He was 66 years old. A light of positive energy and genuine kindness, Gerry loved life. He was known for the laughter that surrounded him and his positive spirit.

The son of Agnes Virginia and Leonard Campion, Gerard, the sixth of 12 children, was raised in New Haven. He put himself through college, receiving a bachelor’s and master’s degree in education. In 1974 he met the love of his life Meg Campion at the Owenego Beach Club in Branford, the same place they would marry in 1975. They created a beautiful life together, settling in Clinton, raising two daughters, Kate and Chelsey, welcoming two sons-in-law, Erik and Peter, and reveling in their greatest pride, their grandchildren Ellis, Zoey, and Oliver.

He loved Meg endlessly. They could often be found dancing in the kitchen, holding hands, and making each other laugh. He was much more than a father to Kate and Chelsey, he was a Daddy, always there, loving and supporting his girls, while understanding their need to spread their wings and soar. As the father of daughters, he was thrilled when the family expanded to include two sons, his girls’ husbands Erik and Peter. He embodied what a grandpa should be: fun, crazy, sweet, and loving, spoiling those kiddos with abandon.

Gerry was a force of nature and touched everyone he met. As an uncle and brother, he was known for his frog hoppy birthday cards, $2, and yellow legal pad notes. He was a loyal and fun friend, often sharing the golf course or a game of cribbage, always quick with a joke or word of support. In later years he continued his education, becoming a licensed financial advisor. Gerry took great pride in the relationships he fostered with his clients and never lost sight of the responsibility it entailed. As a community member, Gerry was known for his involvement in town politics, serving on many boards, acting as a mentor to local youth, and joining a variety of service organizations. He was an advocate and fund raiser, feeling a responsibility to raise awareness of male breast cancer.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Margaret a “Meg” Campion of Clinton; his daughters, their husbands, and children, Kate, Erik, Ellis and Zoey Privert of Dedham, Massachusetts, and Chelsey, Peter, and Oliver Hayward of Branford; his brothers and sisters Kevin, Paul, Leonard, Andrew, Vincent, Virginia, Suzanne, David, and Mary; and his nieces, nephews, and countless friends. He was predeceased by his parents and brothers James and William.

His family is grateful for the love and support of his Smilow Cancer Center team. Special thanks to Dr. Harold Tara, Dr. Su Hsien Lim, and Mary Roberts, RN. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Families Helping Families of Clinton, at P.O. Box 166, Clinton, CT 06413.

Gerard’s life will be celebrated at a funeral mass, followed by a reception, on May 19 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s of the Visitation Church, 54 Grove St., Clinton.