Obituary of Stephen P. Campanella

Stephen P. “Campy” Campanella, 80, of Greeley, PA, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2024, at home. He was born on July 25, 1944, in Manhattan, NY, to his parents Joseph and Lena (Esposito) Campanella. Stephen was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother, whose hard-working nature and dedication to his family were unmatched.

Stephen was a devoted grandfather who always gave his grandchildren gifts on every holiday, making sure they never felt forgotten. He had a passion for spending time with his friends reminiscing about his years working on the railroad.

Stephen’s remarkable 35-year railroad career began as a Locomotive Fireman and led to his promotion as a Locomotive Engineer with the Erie Lackawanna Railroad in Port Jervis, NY. He later worked for Conrail and Metro-North, where he briefly served as a Road Foreman of Engines before returning to operating locomotives—a role he loved deeply. Known as “The Legend” on the railroad and affectionately called the “Italian Stallion,” Stephen was renowned for his unwavering dedication. When the phone rang, he never missed a call, always eager to provide for his family.

Through his career, Stephen enjoyed sharing his knowledge and prioritizing the safety of running miles and miles of trains with young engineers. He was a great mentor, always willing to teach and inspire the next generation with his expertise and passion for the railroad.

Stephen was qualified to operate locomotives across various routes, including from Port Jervis to Hoboken and Port Jervis to Hornell and Scranton. His expertise as both a freight and passenger engineer earned him great respect in his field.

Stephen retired on July 6, 2005, from Norfolk Southern Corporation, but his passion for the railroad never faded.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Domenica Campanella; his sister Annette and husband Robert Taibbi of Barnegat, NJ; his children Joseph Campanella and wife Dianne of Sparrowbush, NY; Stephen Campanella of East Stroudsburg, PA; Patricia Campanella of Milford, PA; and Tracy Perez and husband David of Sandston, VA; his stepchildren Michelle Ortiz of Asbury Park, NJ, and Frank Piranio of Moscow, PA.

Stephen was the proud grandfather of Matthew, Alex, and Emily Campanella and her partner Devin; DJ, Briana and her partner Emma, Nicholas, Ryan, and Aliyah Perez and her partner Michael; and Isla and Soren Piranio.

Cremation was privately held at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements by Stroyan Funeral Home, 405 West Harford St., Milford, PA 18337 (www.stroyanfuneralhome.com)