Joseph "Joe" Campos

Joseph “Joe” Campos, 68, Rockford, passed away June 7, 2019. Joe held the hand of the Lord and was not afraid. He knew he would live in eternity with the Lord and his parents and brothers once again. He succumbed to pancreatic cancer after a seven year battle. He was surrounded by his loving family at the time of his passing. Joe was born the seventh and last child to Joaquin and Lorenza (Flores) Campos on August 27, 1950, in Fort Worth, TX. He had five brothers and one sister, who he loved spending time with. Joe married Phyllis Johnson, his best friend. Joe had 1 son, Joey (Michelle) Campos and 3 grandsons, Nathaniel, Noah and Nole. He also had 2 stepchildren, Nikki (Jeromy) Sowl and Jeremy (Robin) King with 4 step-grandchildren, Riley and Devin Sowl and Jordan and Camryn King. He graduated from Rockford West High School in the class of 1969. He worked as a migrant worker, beginning at age 7, along with his entire family. They eventually settled in Rockford, becoming one of the first Mexican families in the community. Joe was a member of the Laborers Union, Local 32, where he worked for a few different construction companies until he found a home with Schmeling Construction. He eventually retired after 35 years in construction. Joe had a zest for life like none other and could liven up the party just by being there. He loved to have parties, inviting family and friends. At the annual summer Campos Fiesta, Phyllis would cook for everyone and Joe would work in his yard for days making sure it was perfect. The last Fiesta was celebrated with 98 of their closest friends and family. He was an avid club member with memberships at the American Lombardi Society, the Verdi Club, the White Eagle of Rockford Club, the Blackhawk Athletic Club and the St. Ambrogia Society. Joe loved to dance, especially with Phyllis. He also loved to play team sports, like golf, darts, and bocce. Joe and his brother , Jesse, played darts together for years, winning a world championship in 1995, beating a team from Holland. Joe was very proud of the win and they are the only brothers in history to achieve this.
He is survived by his wife, Phyllis; his son Joey; his grandsons; 2 step-children and 4 step-grandchildren; 2 brothers, 1 sister, and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents, his brothers, Emilio, Andrew, and Pete, 3 nephews and 1 niece. The family wishes to thank all of the wonderful staff at Northern Illinois Hospice who assisted Joe in his final days.
Memorial Funeral Mass 11 a.m. Saturday, June 15, 2019 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 1010 Ferguson Street, Rockford. Visitation 9 a.m. until time of service at the church. Cremation rites have been accorded. Private family burial at later date. In lieu of flowers please make memorials to the family. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.