Richard Wayne Campanaro, 83, a beloved resident of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully on October 28, 2025, surrounded by his devoted wife and family.
Born on April 11, 1942, in Yonkers, New York, Rich was the son of Arthur and Alma (Koch) Campanaro, who preceded him in death.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Patricia (Holland) Campanaro, to whom he was devoted for over 60 years. Their children and grandchildren: son, Richard G. (Jerry) and Melissa of Camden, South Carolina, and their children, Margaret (Maggi), Josh, Jack and wife Peyton, and Maryellen; daughter, Jamie K. and Paul Glick of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, and their children, Brock, Ryan, and Amanda; daughter, Jodi M. and Geoff Weg of Venice, California, and their children, Reilly, Owen, and Alexander; and son, Christopher D. of Marina Del Rey, California. Rich is also survived by his brothers, Brian and wife Bobbi Campanaro of Atlanta, Georgia, and Donald and wife Martha Campanaro of Yonkers, New York.
Rich began his college years at the Merchant Marine Academy in Bronx, New York, before transferring to Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, where his determination and drive earned him BA and an MBA in just three short years. He devoted his professional life to helping others through the life insurance industry, beginning his career with Metropolitan Life Insurance Company and later serving as Vice President at Liberty Life in Greenville, South Carolina. Among his proudest accomplishments was founding Tandem Financial Group in New York and later Atlast Financial in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. These endeavors were a true reflection of his vision, integrity, and generous spirit.
He was an avid golfer, devoted reader, passionate pianist, and lifelong country music fan. A master storyteller with a sharp sense of humor, he was a formidable pool player, a spirited backgammon competitor, and a confident and often correct wagerer. Rich was diligently working on a book that his son Jerry will complete in his honor, a fitting tribute to a man who rarely left anything unfinished.
Rich cherished lifelong friendships and always placed the needs of others first. His generosity, kindness, and booming, contagious laughter left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He brought energy, warmth, and a touch of competitive spirit to every room he entered. Joyful, endlessly curious, and full of life, Rich inspired all who had the privilege of knowing him.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Wounded Warrior Project, both causes close to his heart.
A Celebration of Life will be announced for a date after the holidays.
