Obituary of Alfred E. Campellone

Alfred E. Campellone (Big Al), 85, Departed April 4, 2012 at his home in Auburn, PA from natural causes. Formerly from Miquon, Pennsylvania, he was born in Philadelphia, PA, on February 25, 1927, son of Amelio Campellone and Josephine Francescone. The family grew up at 10th and Luzern in Philadelphia PA. Al attended Central High School. Before graduation he answered the call to serve in World War II. He was part of the U.S. Army 16th Infantry Division in France, and also with the 1st Infantry Division as part of the first occupational troops in Italy. Qualified as an army truck driver, he achieved the rank of T-5, earning both the Victory and Occupational Medals. After returning home and with a purchase of a single dump truck, he started a small hauling business under the trade name Alfred E. Campellone, Incorporated. With the help of his brother Peter, the company would eventually grow to operate with 4 heavy construction crews specializing in underground water and sewer construction (mainly doing business with the Philadelphia Water Department.) Alfred was a well respected past member of the Contractor's Association of Eastern Pennsylvania. He was best known for his ability to tackle complicated and difficult projects. From 1971 until 1996 he acted as president of CBM Construction Company. While in that capacity as President of CBM Construction, in 1988 he founded a trenchless technology company under the trade name SWERP Incorporated. Consequently, by his foresight and benefit that company proudly continues operation today. He remained active at SWERP as a consultant up to the time of his death. As a result of his love for horses and Fairmount Park, he was a past local Philadelphia 4-H Equestrian Coordinator. He was a past member of the Richmond Ranglers and past president of the Riders of the Wissahickon. He was a past president of the Pennsylvania Equine Counsel and served as an official Large Animal Agent for the Pennsylvania SPCA. Of all his achievements, he was most proud of the fact that from 1975 to 1976 he took a one year sabbatical to serve as "Wagon Master" on the Pennsylvania/Great Lakes leg of the Bicentennial Wagon Train Pilgrimage to Valley Forge, (an historical reenactment to mark the 200 year anniversary of our nation's birth.) Alfred was a life member of Operating Engineers Local 542. He was a Master Mason and member of Fritz Lodge # 308, The Consistory, Lulu Temple Shrine and the 33rd Degree Scottish Rite. He was a past Captain of the Lulu Temple Mounted Guard. He was a past president of the Roxboro/Manayunk Historical Society as well as a member of the Conshohocken Historic Society. He was a member of the Valley Green Canoe Club and the Appalachian Wagon Train Association. He was a life member of the Pennsylvania Agricultural Museum in Schuylkill County where items from his wagon collection remain on exhibit today. Alfred was preceded in Death by his Brothers, Bobby and Tony, his sister Josephine (Bakewell) Colella, and brothers Peter and Furey. Al is survived by numerous nieces and nephews and his two sisters in-law, Clare Campellone (Peter) and Dusty Campellone (Furey). Friends and family may call at Lownes Funeral Home at Lafayette Hill, PA from 10:00 to 11:00 am on Friday, April 20th 2012; Interment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Cheltenham, PA will follow immediately. For information contact Lownes Funeral Home, Lafayette Hill, PA 19444 (610) 828-4430. In his memory, the family asks that you reach out to a friend or loved one you have not seen in a while.