Steven C. Campbell

ALBANY-Steven “Steve” Campbell, 66, passed away April 6, 2023 after a battle with a brief illness. He was surrounded by his wife, his four children and daughter-in-law. Born in Columbus, OH, Steve was the youngest of nine. He attended The Ohio State University where he studied history and met his wife, Mary, while working as a waiter across the street from her apartment. The couple settled in Albany, NY, going on to raise four children together. As a waiter in the restaurant business for over 35 years, Steve had a knack for hospitality — his love of food and fine dining coupled with his innate ability as a storyteller and conversationalist made him a favorite of patrons wherever he worked. Through that work, Steve strove tirelessly to provide for his family, often working late nights to bring home enough tip money for groceries and gas the next day. Despite that, he still found the time to be an engaged and present dad who gave special attention to each of his children— getting them dressed and walking them to school in the morning and helping them with homework in the afternoon. His creativity and enthusiasm with school projects was unmatched— a talent from which his children’s academic performance benefitted immensely. Steve also knew how to have fun and channel the restless energy of his kids. They fondly remember dad helping them to make water balloons to throw off the porch, having late night cap gun fights, launching model rockets, sledding, building lemonade stands, and the infamous “Hillbilly Sponge Toss” (throwing a sponge backwards over your head into the kitchen sink). For Steve, reading and writing were daily rituals, while his passion for horses and film fused into an outright obsession with the movie “Lonesome Dove,” which he would quote from liberally. Most of all, Steve had a deep and abiding love of music. He maintained a vast library of vinyl records and always kept a set of drumsticks on hand should the need for air drumming arise. His tastes were diverse, ranging from rock, to pop, and musicals. He was particularly fond of classical music and always kept a radio tuned to the local classical station in the basement laundry room to make it a little less scary for his children. For those who were lucky enough to know him, Steve was a warm and friendly face who was always eager to regale you with an interesting historical anecdote or a bad joke. He enjoyed singing and loved any occasion that gave him the excuse to break out his trademark dress shirt and vest. Above all, he was fiercely protective of his family and his love for them was tender and unwavering, right up until the end. He was predeceased by his father James, his mother Eunice, his brother James (Hobo), and his sisters Charlene and Marlene. Steve is survived by his wife of 37 years, Mary, his children Michael (Amanda), Paul (Aleina), Matthew and Meghan; his grandsons Miles and Caden; his sisters Stephanie (Bunny), Leslie, Michael, Sidney and his brother David; and many nephews and nieces. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Steve’s family Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 N. Allen St., Albany, NY 12206 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. Please only enter the funeral home from the rear parking lot doorway. Steve’s Funeral Service will be Wednesday, April 12, 2023 in the funeral home at 9:00am. The Rite of Committal will follow the service in Albany Rural Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any memorial donations be made to the Albany Friends of Music Fund for Albany City Schools. (http://albanycitymusicdepartment.weebly.com/albany-friends-of-music.html) To leave a message for the family or view other helpful services please visit www.mcveighfuneralhome.com.

Tributes

Steven C. Campbell

August 7, 1956 - April 6, 2023