David Colley Campbell

David Colley Campbell, a 50-year Ridgefield resident, passed away peacefully at home on Veterans Day, November 11, 2021, shortly after his 82nd birthday, surrounded by the loving presence of family members and a good friend. Although lung cancer may have taken over his body, David maintained his feisty spirit and humor.

Born in Detroit, MI on September 16, 1939, Dave was the third child of Malcolm and Helen Campbell and was predeceased by his brother, Don. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Martha, and their three children: Heather, Doug, and wife Monika, Elizabeth (Betsy) and her husband Dave Imbrogno, and four grandchildren: Alexandra, Caroline, Katherine, and Louis Imbrogno, as well as by his sister, Valerie Temple.

Class of 1957 at Cranbrook School in Bloomfield Hills, MI, David subsequently received his B.A. from Harvard (Class of 1961) and was later awarded his MBA from Harvard Business School (Class of 1968). He served in the US Navy from 1961-66, discharged as a lieutenant after having been in the Vietnam War as an F-4 Phantom radar-intercept-officer (RIO) in fighter squadron fourteen (VF-14) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42).

While at Harvard Business School, David met his future wife, Martha King, and they married June 10, 1967. Beginning his career as a financial advisor and portfolio manager/director in New York City, David brought his family from NJ to CT and continued commuting. Immediately recruited by the Ridgefield Jaycees, he and Martha began many years of volunteering in the town they loved and where they chose to raise their children.

Dave became active as chairman, officer, and president of the Jaycees, in Little League and Pony-Colt Baseball, and with the Branchville School PTO; he coached many of his son’s baseball teams, cooked pancakes at the annual breakfasts, and delivered oranges and grapefruit as fundraisers for Jaycee projects and RHS band uniforms.  He was appointed to the Ridgefield Parks and Recreation and Pension Commissions, becoming chairman of the latter, and was proud of the fund’s then solvency and stature among CT funds. In 2004 Dave and Martha were honored to be the first couple to be selected Citizens of the Year by Ridgefield’s Rotary Club and in 2012 the Ridgefield Old Timers Association recognized their dedication as well.

After Dave retired from ING, he joined The Ridgefield Men’s Club and was able to spend more time as a true “golfaholic” enjoying rounds with that group and other friends at Dlhy Ridge, Salem Golf Club and far afield – every opportunity taken on family trips or with the guys. As a proud grandfather, David so loved supporting his grandchildren at various dance events, concerts, and plays…softball, soccer, basketball, and baseball games. His financial savvy and community spirit led him to agree to co-lead a Founders Hall investment class.

Being chosen as the 2018 Grand Marshal of Ridgefield’s Memorial Day Parade was very humbling for him and the sun shone brightly that day, as it did last Thursday when family and friends celebrated David’s military service and that of all veterans. For years we enjoyed the Kiwanis-sponsored military band concerts and always honored his Navy history and that of our son Doug. Future Veterans Days will be even more significant for us as we cherish David’s memory and salute him every year on such an appropriate day.

A Memorial Service will take place on Sunday, December 12, 2021 at 12:30 PM at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church; 353 Main Street, Ridgefield. Masks or other facial coverings are required for all in attendance at the Memorial Service.  A Reception in Celebration of David's Life will follow at Keeler Tavern, 152 Main Street, Ridgefield. Interment will take place privately.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations in his memory to RVNAhealth or Regional Hospice. Kane Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

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