Steven D. Campagnoli

Dr. Steven D. Campagnoli (75) passed away on November 10, 2020, with family by his side at his home in Elkhart.

He was born September 12, 1945 in Elkhart to S. Anthony Campagnoli and Eugenia (Smith) Campagnoli, and is survived by his wife of 52 years Nancy (Lightcap) Campagnoli, daughter Lisa (Campagnoli) Bloom, and son Matthew Campagnoli, as well as grandchildren Lauryn (Campagnoli) Fogo, Owen Campagnoli, and Ian Campagnoli. Also surviving are brothers Phil Campagnoli and his wife Geneele Crump of Elkhart, and Jerry Campagnoli of Prior Lake, Minnesota, as well as a number of brothers- and sisters-in-law and nieces and nephews.

Steve graduated in 1963 from Elkhart High School where he was active in choir and track and had the good fortune to play football under his father’s tenure as coach. His time on the football team won him a scholarship to Indiana University, where he earned his doctorate in optometry and more importantly, met the love of his life, Nancy. In the summer of 1969 he joined the Elkhart optometry practice of Dr. Tom Artley, where he continued after Dr. Artley’s departure until his own retirement in 2016. During those years, he was sincerely dedicated to both his patients and his loyal staff. Steve specialized in work with the visually impaired, both in his private practice and in cooperation with the Low Vision Clinic at the Rehabilitation Center. He was active in the Lions Club and was on the boards of various service organizations in the community.

While Steve’s life-long curiosity led to interest in countless subjects such as gardening, drawing, chess, religion, spirituality, political theory, and more, the two underlying passions that permeated his life were golf and music. Always his children’s most ardent supporter, he coached youth soccer early on, and later attended years of endless concerts and recitals as he watched their musical pursuits blossom from the love of music he instilled in them. In addition to playing guitar, Steve sang throughout his life as both a soloist and chorister. From high school until a couple of years before his death, his participation in choirs was without interruption, most recently as a member of Vesper Chorale in South Bend for many years. Over the past fifteen years he channeled much of his persistent musical passion into the composition of choral music, including many pieces featured in performance by Vesper Chorale and other groups in the region.

Although Steve struggled with health challenges for the better part of his adult life, he somehow maintained an infectious optimism, living his philosophy that every day is a gift. He took great joy in the simple pleasures of loving family, warm friends, and beautiful music. He was a kind and gentle man who will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

A small graveside service will be held for close family, but a larger celebration of Steve’s life will be planned for some time in 2021 when it is once again safe to travel and gather.  Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

The family requests that those wishing to honor his memory consider making a donation to Musical Arts Indiana (musicalartsindiana.org) 18211 Kern Road South Bend, IN 46614, the parent organization of Vesper Chorale, which Steve loved so deeply.

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