CHAMPION, FRANK CAMPION
A TRUE AMERICAN HERO
July 16, 1936-April 28, 2013
PFC U.S. Army, Frank Campion, was stationed in Ft. Dix, N.J. on two separate occasions. He served with the 26th MP Company on his first go around from 1957-1958 and then with the 34th MP Company on his second tour from 1961-1962. His military service was during the defense of the Berlin wall, the Cuban missile crisis and the Viet Nam war. Just prior to his second tour he married his High School sweetheart (They met while ice skating) Jane (Mackey) Campion in 1959. Jane was a Chestnut Hill girl and Frank was from Coolidge Corner. They were married for over 50 years and resided in Wellesley, MA. Frank was, for many people, the face of the Legion serving in multiple capacities during his tenure at Post 440. Past Commander and Judge advocate. Frank was also very active with Disable American Veteran’s serving as Commander the past three years.
Frank was always front and center during Memorial Day services and who could ever forget his rendition of “Danny Boy” performed every year at the JFK Memorial in Nonantum? He was also the master of ceremonies on the reviewing stand each year at the Memorial Day Parade. This past year he chaired the Newton Veteran’s Committee, who were responsible for all aspects of the parade. His death just prior to the parade was a shock to us all. While it was a major jolt, we knew that Frank would expect nothing but the best and for us to carry on in his absence. On a personal note, Frank is the one who really got The Sons of Legion up and operational, here at Post 440. He took it upon himself to invite the State leadership to Newton for an “orientation meeting” and in a matter of 30 minutes had us structured, with leadership in place and good to go. To say Frank was a “whirling dervish” is both an understatement and spot on. Frank was a can do guy. If by chance you made a commitment to Frank, and did not hold up your end of the bargain, mercy on your soul. Frank was passionate about all things in his life, His God, His Family, His Legion brothers. He was an inspiration to me and a great advocate of the legacy of The Marrocco Family and what they meant to the origin of this Post. He is a TRUE AMERICAN HERO.