Francis A. "Zip" Campbell, a lifelong resident of Charlestown, died on Saturday, December 27, 2008, at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston after a lengthy illness. He was 91 years old.
Zip was born in Boston and grew up in Charlestown where he attended Boston Public Schools and graduated from Charlestown High School in 1936. He enlisted into the United States Navy in 1943 and served his country during World War II and was discharged in 1945. Zip joined the Boston Police Department in 1945 and served the City of Boston for 34 years of service, retiring in 1979 with the rank of Lieutenant. He was a member of Bunker Hill Council # 62, Knight of Columbus, The Old Charlestown Schoolboys Association and The Boston Police Patrolman's Association. He was also a dance instructor for several years in the Boston area.
Zip is the beloved husband of the late Ruth (Leonard) Campbell. He is the devoted father of Maureen Smith of Charlestown, Francis A. Campbell, Jr., and his wife Barbara of South Boston and Dennis M. Campbell and his wife Patricia of Dover, New Hampshire. He is the loving grandfather of 7 grandsons and 3 great-grandsons. He is the beloved brother of Margaret "Peggy" Waldron of Medford, Veronica "Tootie" Castelli of Natick, the late Winifred Geysen, John "Jocko" Campbell, James "Red" Campbell, Sally Walsh and Thomas "Packy" Campbell.
Zip's Funeral will be held on Tuesday, December 30, 2008, at 9:30 a.m. from The Carr Funeral Home, 220 Bunker Hill Street, Charlestown, followed by his Funeral Mass in St. Mary's Church, 55 Warren Street, Charlestown, at 10:30 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited. Visiting hours are on Monday, December 29, 2008, from 4 to 8 p.m. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden.