Jay Douglas Campbell, Sr., 80, of Chippewa Township, passed away on March 6th, 2025, at St. Barnabas-Gibsonia.
He was born in New Brighton on May 2nd, 1944, a son of the late James M. Campbell and Nellie (Douthett) Campbell. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother Jerry Campbell. He is survived by his loving wife and partner in crime of 59 years, Barbara Jean (Phillips). They loved to sing and dance and often were the first couple on the dance floor at social events. They were inseparable even in his final days. His legacy lives on in the values he instilled in his children and grandchildren, his daughter, Lisa (Helen Smith), his two sons, J.D. (Carrie) and Jesse (Nikki Nocera), six grandchildren: Lauren (Chris) Ryan, Anthony (Megan) Esoldo, Joseph (fiancée Ashley Stein), Chloe Campbell, Phoebe Campbell and Niko Campbell; as well as three great-grandchildren, Gianna and Declan Ryan and Alessia Esoldo. He is also survived by two brothers, Jim (Shirley) Campbell and Bruce (Cheryl) Campbell and his sister-in-law, Ruth Campbell.
Jay attended New Brighton High School where he excelled in sports, lettering in football, basketball and baseball. His love for sports continued throughout his life taking great joy in watching his children and grandchildren play in high school and college, never missing a game.
Jay was an avid golfer and proud member of the Bandits golf league at the Beaver Valley Country Club. “Hook” and “J-Bird”, as he was known on the links, was always up for a “mergency 9”.
Jay started his banking career as a teller at WPNB in Beaver Falls while attending night school at Geneva College. After graduating from Geneva, Jay worked his way up to branch manager at Equibank before moving on to Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer. After retiring from PNC in 2006, Jay continued to learn, adapt and challenge himself, developing a remarkably open mind and heart and unconditionally supporting the people he loved most.
Jay never wavered in his love for his family or his commitment to living his life fully, whether on the beach, in the casino, or hosting his infamous Christmas Eve parties. He was a guy’s guy, the life of the party and a devoted family man. He was known as Big Daddy Jay to his kids’ friends who he taught to “let it settle!” There may or may not have been some Maker’s Mark involved.
Friends will be received on Monday, March 10th from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. and Tuesday, March 11th from 10 a.m. until the time of the blessing service at 11 a.m. in the Gabauer-Lutton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls. Father Kim Schreck will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in Jay’s name to the Alzheimer’s Foundation- 2835 Carson St., Suite 200, Pittsburgh PA 15203.
The family would like to give a special thanks to the staff at St. Barnabas Gibsonia for their care and compassion during his stay.