Dave succumbed to a difficult illness on June 2 at the New Bern, NC hospital. He passed peacefully in his sleep. He and his wife Jill of 49 years moved there upon their retirement from the New Canaan Public School system. Dave taught seventh-grade social studies for 33 years and Jill taught at West and South schools for over 30 years.
David Jerome Campbell (aka Elvis)
Dave is survived by his brother Rome and sisters Cathy Campbell, Judy Campbell, and Susie Domitrovic. His parents David and Catherine and his sister Barbara Scalzo predeceased him.
After finding great athletic success on the football field and track at Bethel High School and Cheshire Academy, Dave went on to graduate from Southern Connecticut State University. Dave harnessed his love of sports and kids by coaching New Canaan’s freshman football team with his great friend Hans Schneider for many years. He coached a variety of sports after school at Saxe, which was just one part of his lasting legacy there. “Elvis” was always brightening the halls with his smiles, cowboy boots, and Dutchess muffins.
L-R: David Jr., Jill, Katie and David J. Campbell
Both of his children attended New Canaan Public Schools. His son, David Campbell Jr., and his wife Emily are college coaches. Dave is the lacrosse coach at his alma mater, Middlebury College in VT. His daughter Katie followed in his footsteps as a coach and she has taught seventh-grade social studies at Saxe since his retirement.
Dave’s caring personality and charisma made him an absolute legend to his family, friends, and all those who have passed through NCPS. In the words of one of his colleagues. “Dave was one of those amazing people where our lives paths crossed for a few years, but the impressions left will last for a lifetime.”
David Campbell
The family invites everyone whose lives have been touched by Dave to a celebration of his at the Norwalk Inn on September 16th, from 12:30-3:30. Please visit the everloved.com memorial page for David “Elvis” Jerome Campbell to find more information about the event. In lieu of flowers, the family would like help keeping Dave’s legacy alive at Saxe which will include a memorial in his name and a fund to make muffins available for students who may need a better start to their day. Therefore, Elvis will never truly leave the building.
[Please note that the family-approved obituary here is fuller than the obituary previously published on NewCanaanite.com.]
Heatbroken! One of the best humans to ever walk this earth.
An extraordinary teacher and coach. My kids were blessed to have him. I still think of him every time I eat a grilled muffin!! Blessings to Jim, Dave, and Katie.
What a wonderful man, inspirational teacher and fantastic coach! He was so much fun and had an amazing sense humor and such charisma. My condolences to his family. Such a loss. God bless him.
My son was so lucky to have Jill and Dave as teachers. He adored both of them.
Thinking of you and your family.
The Absolute Best Man Ever. He really cared and you felt it to your core. What a gift he was in my life.