Don Lee Campagna

Our loving husband and father, Don Campagna, passed away peacefully at his home April 25, 2016 surrounded by his family.  Don was born July 16, 1941 in Murray, Utah to Mary Philinda Anderson and Edward Joseph Campagna. He was raised in Salt Lake City, Utah and graduated from Granite High School where he loved playing his saxophone in the dance band.  He had a general love for music which brought him much happiness and peace during his life.  He could play the clarinet, alto, and tenor saxophones.  His private band played in many venues around town, and he mostly enjoyed big band era and country music, particularly John Denver songs. 

Don married Rosemary “Susie” Hoskins on June 10, 1959. With his wife and children he loved making lasting memories by taking them on personal motorcycle trips to Canada, Yellowstone, or Wyoming, and individual trips with each child to see Las Vegas shows.  He also reinforced his love for each of his children with the gift of a ring at very special times in their lives. 

Don loved camping frequently with his family in the beautiful mountains and deserts of Utah.  Memories created while finding new sites to enjoy on weekend adventures will always be cherished. Don was an amazing cook and loved making roast dinners for many family members.  Cooking and sharing recipes with his children was a special time in the kitchen. His soup recipes and home made pies were especially wonderful! Together they enjoyed making thousands of pies for Sizzler Restaurants, and you could always catch him whistling or singing a tune while doing his work each day. Don also enjoyed bowling leagues, was an avid reader and loved learning about history. 

At a young age Don was taught to respect the value of money.  He was an extremely hard worker, and enjoyed owning two successful cafés, the Koffee Kaddy and Don’s Platter, where he taught his children to work hard, be self reliant and live within their means.  After closing the cafe business he worked at the VA Hospital as a cook for 6 years before taking a medical retirement at age 52.

Don endured the effects of Chronic Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (MS) bravely and without complaint for 36 years. MS became his greatest fear when he was diagnosed, but he valiantly and bravely prepared himself for the increasing challenges of MS in his effort to remain independent and productive for as long as he could. He then volunteered at the MS Society building support groups to help others better understand and deal with MS.  He also worked at the Utah Independent Living Center trying to help others challenged with disabilities find housing and assistance for their needs.   

Don is survived by Susie, his wife of 56 years, who loved and cared for him through the challenging final months of his life.  He is also survived by 5 children, Rick (Michelle), Karen, Debra (Brian) Larsen, Susan, and Dawn (Bryan) Williams, 15 grandchildren, 15 (soon to be 20) great-grandchildren, and many nephews and nieces, all of whom he adored.  Don was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings: Ed, Ray, Jerry, Evelyn and Harriett.

Our family would like to thank those special neighbor angels and ward members who have kindly assisted and watched out for our Dad.  Your acts of kindness are greatly appreciated and will never be forgotten.

Family and friends may call at Holbrook Mortuary, 3251 S 2300 E, Salt Lake City, UT on Sunday, May 1st 6:00-7:30 pm and Monday, May 2nd 1:00-2:00 pm, followed by the funeral at 2:30 pm.  Interment: Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.