FRANKLIN: Daniel R. Campbell

Daniel R. Campbell, 88, of Franklin, passed away June 19, 2026, surrounded by family. He was a resident of Franklin for the past 42 years and the devoted husband of the late Joan P. Campbell, to whom he was married for 60 years.

Born in Kentucky on August 25, 1937, Dan was the son of the late Leslie and Emma Campbell. Growing up as the youngest of eight children on a family farm, he learned early the values of hard work, resourcefulness, and loyalty – values he carried with him throughout his long and full life. The Campbells were tenant farmers, and life was simple by necessity. Luxuries like indoor plumbing were nowhere to be found, though the family outhouse got the job done. It was a humble beginning that shaped a humble man.

Dan was the first in his family to attend college, earning his degree from Wilmington College in Ohio. After graduation, he was drafted into the United States Army, where he served with purpose as a chaplain’s assistant – a role that suited a man of his quiet faith and steady character.

His professional career took him into the world of accounting and finance, where he held a number of roles at divisions of W.R. Grace, a multinational conglomerate. It was through these years of work that he and Joan lived in Ireland, New York, Nevada, Ohio, and finally to Franklin in 1984, where they planted their deepest roots.

Dan and Joan raised four children born within five years of each other, a logistical feat that required equal parts patience, humor, and sheer determination. He was a steadfast presence through all of it – the activities, the moves, the milestones – a quiet anchor in a busy family life.

In his later years at Forge Hill Assisted Living, Daisy, his beloved dog and constant companion remained by his side until the end. The two could frequently be spotted making their rounds through the halls: Dan in his wheelchair, Daisy settled comfortably on his lap, happily accepting treats along the way.

He is survived by his four children: Dan Campbell and his wife Suzanne of Oakton, VA; Bill Campbell and his wife Kristina of Portsmouth, NH; Brian Campbell and his wife Kara of South Burlington, VT; and Judy Soares and her husband Dan of Hopedale, MA. He is also survived by his seven beloved grandchildren: Danny, Joey, Maya, Kaylee, Sarah, Maxwell, and Bennett; his sister-in-law Rosemary Hoffmann of Malverne, NY; and many nieces, nephews, and fellow Forge Hill residents who will miss him deeply.

Family and friends are warmly invited to attend his Funeral Mass at St. Mary Church in Franklin, Tuesday June 30th, at 10AM. To view the Mass stmarysfranklin.org

Interment will follow in the parish cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Dan’s memory to a charity of your choice.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of the Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home of Franklin, 33 Cottage St.

Guestbook www.franklinfuneral.com