Louis Campanaro, 69, fire captain, city school official

Louis D. Campanaro, 69, a retired captain in the Philadelphia Fire Department who also worked for the city school district, died Thursday, July 19, at Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center in Camden.

He died of multiple organ failure caused by septic shock, said his son Louis J. Campanaro.

Mr. Campanaro joined the Fire Department in 1962 and retired in 1983, his family said. He helped battle the 11-alarm 1975 Gulf Oil refinery fire, which resulted in the deaths of eight firefighters.

He also served as a Fire Academy instructor early in his career.

After leaving the Fire Department, he worked for the School District of Philadelphia until last year as manager of contracts for school buses, his son said.

Mr. Campanaro was born in Philadelphia and grew up at Seventh and Fulton Streets in Bella Vista. He was a longtime resident of Queen Village before moving to Mount Ephraim.

He was active with the Queen Village Neighbors Association, the Sons of Italy, and the Knights of Columbus. He also was active with Alcoholics Anonymous and was 30 years sober, his son said.

"He truly was a special man," his son said.

In addition to his son, Mr. Campanaro is survived by a daughter, Michele White; sons Michael and Joseph; five grandchildren; three brothers; three sisters; and his former wife, Patricia.

Viewings will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday, July 23, and 8:30 to 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 24, at the Pennsylvania Burial Co., 1327 S. Broad St. A Funeral Mass will follow at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary Magdalen De Pazzi, 714 Montrose St.