RICHARD W. "RICK" CAMPBELL
The wonderful life of Rick Campbell, age 66 of Mount Lebanon, was cut short when he passed away in St. Clair Hospital on April 25 after a brave battle with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and COVID-19. Rick was a man of great faith, who used his many talents to live a beautiful life filled with art, music, theater and service to his church and community. He was the son of Richard and Elizabeth Campbell (deceased), raised in Bethel Park with siblings Robert (Linda) Campbell and Leslie (Nathaniel) Smith. A graduate of Bethel Park High School, where he played in the marching band and played memorable roles in his high school musicals, Rick went on to earn a design degree from Drexel University and worked briefly as a corporate interior designer before joining the family business, Mt. Lebanon Awning. Rick's spiritual home was Brightwood Christian Church, where he was baptized at age 13 and went on to make many contributions over his 54 years as a church member. He taught classes and directed Sunday school plays, organizing the Crop Walk and the Live Nativity. Most recently, he served as Vice Moderator for the Board, Co-chair of the Membership Committee, Chairman of the Nominating Committee and held the honorary title of 'Designer in Chief", which covered everything from decorating the church for Christmas to designing theme materials for special services. Rick had a beautiful voice, which he loved to raise in song. In addition to his church choir, he also sang with the Harmony Singers of Pittsburgh, often featured as a soloist. Through the Harmony Singers, he performed with the Pittsburgh Symphony in their Singing City program and at Carnegie Music Hall in New York City. He served several terms as president and designed the sets as well. Though multi-talented, Rick was perhaps best known for his many years as a member of the Pittsburgh theater community. Beginning as an actor, he quickly became a highly regarded set and costume designer, and went on to direct hundreds of successful productions for many local theaters, including Stage 62, South Park Conservatory Theater, Veronica's Veil Players, Washington and Jefferson College and Little Lake Theater. A lifelong learner himself, several generations of young performers and stage crew members honed their skills and blossomed under his mentorship and leadership. As a past president of Stage 62, Rick helped to ensure a bright future for the group by shepherding them through tough times and a major move. Rick made his world a more beautiful place through the artistry he brought to every task, and through his unfailing good humor and sense of fun. He was everybody's best friend; and he will be dearly missed by his family, friends and the many, many people who loved him. Rick loved family events and always attended birthdays, graduations and any celebration with his family. Nothing pleased him more than spending time with his relatives. Nieces and nephews include: Lauren (John) Costello, Ryan (Krista) Campbell, Cristin (Dan) Conlon, Taylor (Mikaela) Smith, and Natalie Smith. Great-nieces and great-nephews include: Keira, Jack, and Maura Costello, Nolan, Eli and Weston Campbell, Broc and Rhys Conlon. Family and friends will be received Sunday from 2-8 p.m. at PAUL HENNEY CREMATION & FUNERAL TRIBUTES, 5570 Library Road, Bethel Park where funeral services will be held Monday, 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Jefferson Memorial Park. Memorials suggested to Brightwood Christian Church (Brightwoodchurch.org) or The Harmony Singers of Pittsburgh (http://harmonysingers.org) www.henneyfuneralhome.com
Published on April 29, 2021
Guestbook
A place to share condolences and memories.
The guestbook expires on April 27, 2022.
What should I write?
Submission Guidelines |
FAQ
Optional: Provide your email address for the deceased's family to reach you. Only the owner of this obituary will be able to see this information.
Showing 10 of 6 posts
I can imagine Rick is already organizing the heavenly drama club or producing stage performances. I’m not sure when I met Rick for the first time, but it was like I had always known him. He was your instant friend. His laugh was so contagious. Rick and Louanne were at our home for spaghetti last Christmas and I never imagined it would be the last time we would be together. He was a treasure. Rest In Peace Rick, you had many adventures and had so many wonderful friends. See you in heaven my friend.
May 01, 2021
Guest has provided contact information - Are you the family of the deceased? Claim this Obituary and Sign In to view contact information.
I'm so saddened to hear of Rick's passing. I sang with him on many occasions and we always had a great time through all the rehearsals and performances with MLEPC's cantatas. It was a blessing to have known Rick over the years.
April 29, 2021
Guest has provided contact information - Are you the family of the deceased? Claim this Obituary and Sign In to view contact information.
I met Rick in 1982 in Harmony Singers. He was one of the greatest close friend I ever had. We were all shocked when he got sick. Right up till he did get sick,he was bringing me home cooked meals after some surgery I had. I always told people he was our male Mother Teresa.. I will so deeply miss him forever.. He was surely a gift from God. There is no one like him!!!!!!
April 28, 2021
So terribly sorry to hear of this news. Rick was a great person and it was always fun to see him at the Campbell Christmas parties. Rest In Peace. You will be missed by many, but will live in our memories.
April 28, 2021
So very sorry to hear of Rick's passing. He was one terrific person who I met through Stage 62 and enjoyed again at the Harmony Singers. My sympathies on your great loss.
April 28, 2021
Guest has provided contact information - Are you the family of the deceased? Claim this Obituary and Sign In to view contact information.
I have many fond memories of Rick, going back to my first involvement with Stage 62 in the late 70s and early 80s, as well as the early years of South Park Conservatory Theatre. The theatre community of the South Hills has suffered a real loss. My deepest sympathy to Rick's family and his extensive theatre family.
April 28, 2021
Guest has provided contact information - Are you the family of the deceased? Claim this Obituary and Sign In to view contact information.
To download this photo, the file name must have less than 255 characters. If you are having trouble, click Save Image As and rename the file to meet the character requirement and try again.