Frank M. Campo 1925-2011

Frank was born in Yakima, WA to Emilio and Bosalisa Campo.  Emilio traveled to America from Spain, leaving Bosalisa and Frank’s sister Braulia behind as he found his way in America. Twelve years later, they joined Emilio. Frank and his older sister Mary, and older brother Emilio were all born in Yakima.

At age 18, Frank joined the Marine’s and entered into WWII. He went from San Diego boot camp directly to the 4^th Division.  Frank proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps.  In l943, directly out of boot camp, he made the beach assault at Kwajalein (Rio Namur) and in l944, he made two other major beach assaults at Saipan and Tinian and, finally, Iwo Jima in l945.   He was with the 4^th Service Battalion during WWII through all four operations and until his release in l945.  Frank was called back into service in l950 for duty in Korea.  He was assigned to the First Division G-3-5 as team leader, promoted to sergeant and squad leader, then platoon guide.  Frank received a letter of commendation for his service at Iwo Jima, two Presidential Unit citations and two Navy Unit Citations.

On the night Frank arrived home on December 7, l945 from the war, he met his wife to be. Introduced by his sister Mary, he picked up both Mary and Bernie downtown for their first date.  To this end, he was able to tell his children, when they asked how he and mom met, that he picked her up on a street corner.  Frank and Bernie were married for 64 years and have 9 children and 12 grandchildren.  They lived in Yakima until 1959, until he was transferred to the Seattle area where he managed several grocery stores for Safeway Stores, Inc. Frank started at Safeway serving ice cream and when he returned from the war was quickly promoted to store manager at a young age with so few men returning home.  He is credited with 44 years at Safeway stores and 40 years as a store manager.

Frank’s resting place will be at the Colombaria wall niche at Tahoma National Cemeterey, “Where heroes rest.”  According to Frank’s wishes, a small graveside service will be held on December 16^th for family and some of his Marine brothers in arms.  A  memorial where all family and friends are welcome will be at the Knights of Colombus Hall 24323 Everett/Bothell Hwy,Bothell.  Please join us on January 8th, Sunday, at 2:00 PM to remember and celebrate Frank’s life.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Gene and Irene Wockner Hospice 12822 128^th Lane NE, Kirkland, WA 98034.