Gerard Anthony Campagna

Gerard Anthony Campagna
May 2, 1962
April 13, 2025
Gerard A., Early morning on April 13, 2025, Jerry as he was known to his family and many friends, passed away unexpectedly leaving a void in our hearts that will never be filled. Preceded in death by parents Michael and Frances (Yurkovich) Campagna, Father-in-law Jerry Paul Gawel, and many beloved aunts, uncles and cousins that filled his youth with fond and happy times. Jerry is survived by his wife Kimberly Ann (Gawel) Campagna, with whom he would have celebrated 40 years of marriage in August; beloved daughter Marianna Elizabeth and husband Drew John Golias, and cherished grandson Mason Michael Golias; brothers Michael and wife Brenda (Harrisburg), and Anthony and Patricia; Mother-in-law Shirley Gawel; Brothers-in-law Eric Gawel and wife Christine (Matamoras), and Mark Gawel and wife Susan (Indiana); Cherished nephews include Anthony (TJ) Campagna and wife Laura, Christopher Campagna and wife Brittany, Conner Gawel, and Matthew Gawel. Cherished nieces include Monica Cooney and husband Kyle, Jennifer Sudia and husband Michael, Chloe Gawel and Elizabeth Gawel. Jerry also enjoyed the blessings of eight great- nephews and nieces: Neil, Leo, Dominic, Adrian, Gianna, Blair, Chiara, Faustina and Anna; as well as numerous cousins, colleagues and friends. Jerry was always a go-getter and worked multiple jobs while building his career from a young man. Having had side jobs such as driving tour buses, school buses, security, and various positions at Lee Hospital, where he met Kimmi. When they got married in 1985, he was a Communications Officer for the Johnstown Police, before pursuing his passion for Anatomic Pathology in 1990. Professionally, he graduated from the Johnstown Police Academy as an Officer and achieving the Marksman Award, the School of Histotechnology and Certified Autopsy Technician at Conemaugh Allied Schools, then went on to finish his degree at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown and earned the AAPA and ASCP to be a credentialed Physician's Assistant in Pathology. But he was not nearly done yet. In over 30 years at the hospital Jerry worked hard to become Lead Tech, then Program Director for the Schools of Histotechnology and Autopsy Protocol, and then finally a dual role Managing both the Schools and the Lab departments including Histology, Cytology, Autopsy, Mail Room, Couriers, and more, how he did it all was beyond imagination. He was proud of his work in setting up the Molecular Lab as well as being Adjunct Faculty for West Virginia University in his role with training new Physician Assistants in their practicum. Serving his community, Jerry was at various times a School Board Member for Westmont Hilltop, Volunteer Fireman, Church Council Member, Catholic Education High School CCD teacher, as well as many years on and off as a Deputy Coroner and support for local Funeral Homes. He was anxiously looking forward to retiring in two more years from the hospital and rejoining his passion for linking all the skills he had as Deputy Coroner and providing comfort and dignity to those during times of loss. He felt that was a talent God had given him that he could provide as part of his Catholic faith. This would not be Jerry's story if we did not mention his two true (innocent) vices. First, he was always in the pursuit of new vehicles, especially new Pick-Up trucks. Nary a year passed without one...or two...or more swapping out. We had lots of fun teasing him and he took it well. The other was his necessity to have a dog. He was a great dog lover and always had a faithful friend, usually named Lucky...which they certainly were with him as an owner. There will never be another Jerry. Anyone who met him would tell us he was the kindest man, best boss and coworker you would ever know. He had a youthful heart and enjoyed having fun in all the things he enjoyed in his youth like Lionel Trains, Model Trucks, and Vintage toys, as well as sitcoms from the 1960's and 70's and 1980's music. It has become a family tradition to spin "Play that Funky Music" at weddings and have Jerry break out his signature dance moves...including as the second half of his Father /Daughter dance at Marianna and Drew's wedding, turning traditional tears into fun and laughter! That was our Jerry. Recently on a birthday trip he was surprised with becoming an "Engineer for a Day" on the Colebrookdale Railroad. He was so tickled driving that Diesel Engine! He was looking forward to planting our garden bed with cuccuzzi gourds and tomatoes, and enjoying the summer heat during our annual vacation in Ocean City MD. Our dear Husband, Dad, Brother, Pappy, and Uncle was too modest and quiet to share his story himself. But we as his family want to honor and tribute him as deserved. Due to Holy Week, we will need to hold services with less notice than we would prefer. In lieu of flowers, the family knows Jerry would rather donations be made that can be distributed to Our Mother of Sorrows and St. Theresas Parishes causes, where he faithfully practiced his Catholic beliefs, and they could be used accordingly with his generous and charitable heart. Friends received Tuesday from 3-8 pm at John Henderson Company Funeral Home, 215 Central Ave. A funeral mass will be held Wednesday at 11 am at Our Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church. Interment Grandview Cemetery.

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