Dean Campbell

Dean William Campbell, age 22, of Wayne and formerly of Camillus, NY, passed away from this life unexpectedly and way too soon on Saturday, December 1, 2018.

All 8 pounds, 15 ounces of him was born in a rush at 8:51 AM on Tuesday, October 15, 1996 in Syracuse, NY. And that is how Dean lived his life, with a rush to climb anything and everything from walls at age three to mountains at age 15. Dean loved to explore the waterfalls, lakes and forests surrounding his hometown of Camillus, NY and around New York’s Lake Skaneateles, and to conquer New Jersey’s second highest elevation peak in Silas Condict Park in Kinnelon. He also loved scuba diving and deep sea fishing in Hawaii and traversing the dried lava trails in Volcanoes National Park with his family.  

Life offered so much that Dean loved and embraced, from learning the skills and philosophy of Karate and earning his black belt in 2011, to mastering the automotive tech program at West Genesee High School where he was a graduate with the Class of 2014. Dean was in the school’s auto program for two years and he really took to the inner workings of the combustion engine. His teachers thought he was so gifted that they asked him to give region-wide speeches to promote the school’s program. Dean’s equally sharp skill of verbal communication was so convincing, the school received extra funding as a result of his speeches. Public speaking always goes hand-in-hand with good writing and in that discipline too, Dean excelled. Like all students, it was required of him to learn to write and, like most young people, it was no fun at first. But Dean learned to appreciate the finer art of conveying his thoughts and feeling in creative written prose.  

Dean and his older brother Nathan were only two-and-a-half years apart and they had a bond so fierce, they got matching tattoos “Brothers Forever” on their forearms. Dean’s huge heart and capacity to protect others was certainly evident when his baby sister Siena Maltese was born in January, 2012. Siena was Dean’s “Little Chipmunk” and he, her “Bubba” who would swing her around upside down by her ankles.

There is so much that Dean loved and enjoyed in addition to his vast, extended family: being outdoors, helping family and friends – like cleaning up his grandparents’ yards or taking some pressure off his mom by getting his kid sister Siena off the bus, eating, music, animals (including his loyal dogs Tina the Boxer as a little boy and more recently Cosmo Maltese the Shih Tzu, and his cats Black Cat and White Cat), karaoke, concerts, and exploring expressions of his favorite color…..brick red. Did we mention eating? His affectionate pet name was “The Bottomless Pit” and one of his favorite dishes was his mom’s mashed potatoes which Dean affectionately referred to as “Momma’s Mashed” and his father’s strong gravy. No need for a garbage disposal when Dean was around!

The loss of this amazing son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend leaves a huge hole in the hearts of all who knew and loved and adored him. Thanks for the privilege of sharing this life, even if it was only for a short time.

Dean is survived by his loving mother Jessica and her husband David Maltese of Wayne, and his father Scott Campbell of Ocala, FL; awesome brother and sister: Nathan Campbell of Ocala, FL and Siena Maltese of Wayne; all of his cherished grandparents; numerous dear aunts and uncles, and a plethora of much-loved cousins.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Dean’s name are asked to consider donating to: Vera House, 723 James Street, Syracuse, NY 13203; http://www.verahouse.org/give/donate-now