TAUNTON - On October 10, 2009, Lionel (Leo) Campanirio of Taunton and Port Charlotte, Florida, at the age of 69 years, died at his home after a long illness in which he kept his positive attitude going as long as he could.
He fought the good fight with his loving wife, Kathleen Souza Campanirio by his side.
She was his soul mate and medical advocate, helping him battle his disease.
Born in Taunton, Leo was son of the late Aurelio (Ralph) and Elsie (Mendes) Campanirio, and husband of the late Jean (Brady) Campanirio.
He is also survived by his son, Philip L. Campanirio, and his stepsons, Peter J. Nascimento of Taunton, and Roger N. Nascimento and his wife Susan of Rumford, RI.
He was loved by his wife Kathy’s family, Frank and Carol Souza of Middleboro, Mariellen and Greg Smith of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Sandra and Norman Pineault of Amelia Island, Florida.
He left his little pal, Mimi, his Yorkshire terrier.
She traveled everywhere with him as his support animal.
Leo lived his life in Taunton and attended the Taunton Public Schools.
He also graduated from Boston Technology with a degree in Drafting.
Leo owned many businesses in the Taunton area.
He loved to study Portuguese history and the culture of Madeira, where his family came from years ago.
Leo was a citizen advocate for the disabled.
He attended annual conferences in Washington, D.C. to work toward improving the lives of the disabled.
He was Co-Director of Independence Associates in Taunton in the late 1990’s.
He was a member of the City of Taunton Committee for the Disabled.
He often worked with contractors and consumers on ways to make their buildings handicapped accessible.
Private graveside services were held for Leo at St Joseph’s Cemetery, Taunton.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Gastric Oncology, 11th floor, 44 Binney St. Boston, MA 02115, or to Hospice and Palliative Care, 502 Bedford Street, Fall River, MA 02720.
Arrangements are by the Silva Funeral Home, 80 Broadway, Taunton.
www.silvafuneralhome.com.