Francis William Campane, 87, of North Haven died Dec. 28. Known as Bill, he was the loving husband of Margaret Thomas Campane for nearly 67 years. He was born on Oct. 23, 1925 in New Haven. For 40 years until his retirement, Francis worked as chief train clerk for the New York, New Haven, Hartford Railroad, and later Penn Central. He also was a part-time sales representative for Newton Manufacturing, located out of Iowa, for more than 25 years. Francis enjoyed working and always stayed active. Until several years ago, he was employed by Garland Publishing in North Haven.

A Navy veteran, Francis proudly served aboard the U.S.S. Montpelier CL-57 (nicknamed the "Monty") in the Pacific Theater during World War II as Yeoman Second Class. He received the American Theater Medal, Asiatic Pacific Medal Six Stars, Philippine Liberation Ribbon One Star, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Victory Medal. Francis was also a veteran of the Korean War. He loved to share stories of his days in the service. Francis was an active member of the Hamden-North Haven AmVets Post #9. He was Post Commander for many years and most recently served as Adjutant. He received dozens of awards for his veterans? work, including Outstanding Post Commander, AmVets Man of the Year Award, and the American Legion Award for 60 years of service. He also regularly volunteered at the VA Hospital in West Haven. Francis cherished his family, and they loved him dearly.

In addition to his wife Margaret, he leaves behind two daughters and son-in-laws, Maria and Paul Guidone of Cheshire and Margaret and Craig Colten of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. His three grandchildren were his pride and joy: Lisa (Ryan) Herrington of Trumbull, Christopher (Julie) Guidone of Syracuse, New York, and Megan (John) Pasvankias of Stamford. He was an amazing Great Pop Pop to Anthony, Dominic, Caroline, Joseph, and Sophia. Francis was predeceased by his brothers James and John Campane and a sister, Marion Campane. Always young at heart,

Francis loved to take day trips and long Sunday car rides with his wife, especially to Vermont and New Hampshire. He will be remembered for his love of country, the Navy and the Montpelier, his huge heart, his positive outlook, his generosity, his sense of humor, caring for his dogs over the years, and his lifelong pursuit of learning. Every day, he was online, emailing friends and family and finding joy in reading the family blogs of his great grandchildren. He was an incredible man of outstanding character, and his family will miss him greatly.

His funeral procession will leave the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue, on Wednesday, Jan. 2 at 9:30 a.m. Family and friends may call from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Barnabas Church at 10 a.m. Interment with full military honors will follow in St. Lawrence Cemetery. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to AMVETS Post 9, c/o Commander Nick Decerbo, 55 Sharon Dr., Wallingford, CT 06492.