Obituary of William James Campbell III

William James Campbell III, lovingly known as Bill, passed away on January 8, 2025, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse, NY, after a long illness. He was 72 years old.

Born on December 27, 1952, in Syracuse, NY, Bill was the beloved son of the late William James Campbell Jr. and Alice Bridget Campbell (Langlois). He was predeceased by his brother, Michael Campbell; his sister, Linda Gnann; his nephew, Kristopher Campbell; and his cherished companion, ToMe Hill.

Bill is survived by his sisters, Kathleen Campbell (Paul Doerle) and Elizabeth Lindsey (John); his sister-in-law, Suzanne Campbell; his brother-in-law, Alan Gnann; his nephews, Nikolaus Campbell (Lindi), Zachary Campbell (Julia LaReau), and Simon Lindsey (Sara); and his great-nephew William and great-nieces Mya and Lily. He also leaves behind ToMe’s family, whom he loved as his own: daughters Mi Lee Robotham (Steven) and Suzanne Doren (Brian), and his cherished grandchildren, including Clay Massey (Stephanie Flood) and Hannah Doren.

Bill was a 1970 graduate of North Syracuse High School and a proud 1974 graduate of SUNY Geneseo, where he met his lifelong friends, the “Giants of Geneseo.” Their bond was one of the great joys of his life.

Bill dedicated his career to helping others, working at Hillbrook Juvenile Detention Center from 1981 until his retirement in 2009.

A man of great charisma, Bill had a commanding presence and brought energy and humor to every room he entered. On summer weekends, he could often be found on Oneida Lake, boating, picnicking, and savoring time with family and friends. His warmth, laughter, and love of learning left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him.

He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

The family will gather for a private memorial at a later date to honor Bill’s life. In lieu of flowers, they request that donations be made to a charity of your choice in his memory.