Obituary of David J. Campbell

David J. Campbell, 65, of Vernon Center, died unexpectedly at home on Monday. He was born in Utica, a son of the late James and Elizabeth Campbell and was a great, friendly, local mechanic. Dave specialized in foreign cars and worked for several auto repair stations including Colligan and Sons Service Center in Cazenovia for the past 12 years. While growing up, David assisted his mother in teaching square dancing in the Adirondacks at the Bald Mountain House, the Mohawk and Cohasset Resorts in the summer. He enjoyed acting, but didn’t pursue his career. David had a passion for old cars, especially his Corvette which was tragically pipe-bombed in New York City- a case of mistaken identity. He loved cooking, shopping, playing Santa at Cazenovia’s Christmas Walk and was especially proud of his children, Joanna and Adam. Dave was currently rebuilding the home that was partially destroyed by a house fire. David was a co-driver for 3 years with One Lap of America, participated in the Cannonball Run, and enjoyed spending time with his friends in the Saturday morning Breakfast Club. Dave also enjoyed his annual trip to the “Glen”. He looked forward to “Taco Tuesday” and “Steak Night”. In addition to his parents, David was predeceased by a brother-in-law, Gordon Ross-Smith. He is survived by his daughter, Joanna Campbell of Cazenovia; his son, Adam Campbell of Morrisville; longtime partner, Lauren Sullivan and her son, Shane, both of Sherrill; sisters, Pat (Phil) Evans of Toronto, Canada and Anne (Jay) Klink of Bullhead City, AZ; two nephews, Will Ross-Smith and Charlie Ross-Smith both of Toronto, Canada; the mother of his children, Deborah Tornatore of Canastota and a close friend, Heather Stanard of Oklahoma City, OK. Memorial services are private. Calling hours are 4 to 8 p.m., Thursday, January 28, 2016 at Michael E. Brown Funeral Services, 2333 Fenner Road, Cazenovia. Contributions in memory of Mr. Campbell may be made to: Dave Campbell Memorial Fund, c/o AmeriCu Credit Union, 82 Albany St., Cazenovia, NY 13035. To leave a message of sympathy for the Campbell family, please visit www.michaelebrownfuneralservices.com.