In Memory

Download a copy of the In Memory section of the Fall 2023 issue.

In Memory of John Campbell

It is with heavy hearts that the alumni of the Trinity College Newman Club share the heartbreaking news of John Campbell’s passing. He served as the associate chaplain for Roman Catholic life at Trinity from 2007–21. He passed away in May 2023 after a period of illness.

John was a treasured member of the Trinity College community even after his tenure at the school to those who knew him through Newman Club, Sunday evening masses, volunteer efforts, music ministry, and simply as a friend and mentor. Here, we have compiled a small collection of memories shared by students who knew John and whose lives he touched.

“John changed my life for the better. He did help me reconnect with my faith, but that is just one of many influences he had on me. College is a tricky time for everyone, and he created a space where all felt welcomed, loved, and supported. It was such a comfort knowing I would see him Sunday and Wednesday of each week. Through his charismatic and supporting demeanor, he helped me face various anxieties life threw my way. I met some of my best friends through the community John created, and I will be forever indebted to him for that. Postgraduation, John always stayed in touch. I truly considered him one of my best friends and loved receiving his texts, always accompanied by the angel, heart, and disco man emojis. When COVIC hit, he did not falter in his efforts to support Trinity’s students—Newman Club was held via Zoom meetings, and since it was online, alumni were invited, too! May we all think of him when we eat Oreos, see Newman’s Own juice, and hear “On Eagle’s Wings.” He was the perfect example of how to be. I am so saddened by his passing but am forever changed and grateful to have known him.”
-Madeline Grossman ’19

“John was such a great mentor to have during my first two years at Trinity. He was always so caring and really made being Catholic fun. He created such a great community amongst other Catholic students.”
-Mia Conte ’22

“I started attending the Catholic masses at Trinity during my junior year, and John Campbell is a large part of what brought me back each week and why I feel so connected to my faith to this day. John’s warmth was contagious, and the image of him welcoming everyone into the Chapel on Sunday evenings is such a clear, special image that I and so many others will have ingrained in [our memories] forever. John was the kind of person you only meet once in a lifetime, and the Trinity community is so blessed to have been touched by him.”
-Chandler Solimine ’19 

“For my birthday while I was studying abroad, John sent me a video of Trinity’s Newman Club singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to me and him bringing a cake with candles over to the camera. I was so touched that he remembered and in such a thoughtful way; he extended the warmth of my collegiate home away from home all the way to me in London. His genuine kindness never wavered, and I am so blessed to have known John.”
-Ashlee (Wisniewski) Corti ’18 

“John Campbell had a tremendous impact at Trinity College. He was always full of joy and happiness. John was a devout Catholic and was dedicated to the Catholic community at Trinity. I always looked forward to the Newman Club every Wednesday night. It was wonderful to have a weekly home-cooked meal, say grace, and be in a welcoming, religious community. His famous chicken parmesan and asparagus were delicious. He also served the best desserts. Additionally, John would remember everyone’s birthday and have a cake for them. Every Sunday evening, John was always at mass. He would sing with the music ministry and encouraged us to join in the hymns as well. I loved that he gave us the opportunity to say the readings at mass. Personally, I was enriched by saying the readings. John was always a friendly face on campus. He had a positive impact on my life. John will be deeply missed, but I know he is smiling down on us from Heaven.”
-Pearl Rourke ’21 

“John meant so much to so many, but the one thing that made him great to me was his constant and dependable presence on campus. Without fail, he was always there. Whether that be his weekly lunch hour in Mather, his strolls along the Long Walk between classes, or Sunday night mass in the Chapel, you knew that no matter what was happening in your life, you could depend on John to be that person to talk to, to seek advice from. It was this presence and attitude that made him such a force, and he has inspired everyone that he touched to be the best that they can be to others. Rest in peace, John. You will be missed, but your impact will live on.”
-Alex Dahlem ’20 

“It’s hard to think about my Trinity experience without thinking about John. I was lucky enough to be introduced to the Newman Club community at the start of my freshman year. Looking back now, I am so glad that I did not miss a second in getting involved and, therefore, meeting John. Seeing John around campus would instantly brighten my day, and I looked forward to our Wednesday Newman dinners every week for those four years. I would be greeted with a giant hug from John, the smell of his delicious homemade food, and endless laughter shared by everyone in the room. Those were truly the most special days during my time at Trinity. John was very intentional about the safe and welcoming space he created for us, provided a listening ear when we needed it, and truly wore his heart on his sleeve and cared for us. John was an integral part of my college experience, and I am forever grateful to have known him as a mentor and friend.”
-Erica Phiansunthon ’21 

“John played an important role during my time at Trinity. I fondly remember preparing for and ultimately completing my confirmation under his guidance, where we shared much time together having lunch in Mather, attending Sunday evening mass at the Chapel and Newman Club dinners, or just walking and chatting around campus. John’s smile, character, and graciousness were infectious and provided a sense of home and comfort while being away from family. I will forever be grateful for having met John; he was such a bright light and will be dearly missed!”
-Julianna Maisano ’17

“John was such an important mentor throughout my years at Trinity. I’ll always be grateful for how he celebrated our little wins and gently held us accountable during our inevitable learning experiences. Such patience with college students is rare! John welcomed everyone to Newman Club and took time to get to know them, even if they weren’t Catholic. He would pop up in Mather at lunchtime just to check in, and he would remember to ask about the seemingly small details of our day-to-day lives. Thank you, John, for guiding us through the ups and downs of college, directing the small but mighty music ministry squad, and being a friend whose memory will be cherished by so many.”
-Emily (Turner) Thygesen ’18

“John was such a big influence in my time at Trinity and my life. He made Newman Club feel like a safe space for us to be ourselves. He took the time to get to know us and create a special bond with us, and he was always willing to walk us through our problems or just to listen. I remember he would make our favorite foods for our birthdays and would always have cake. One semester, I took a night class that conflicted with Newman Club dinners, and he made sure to send me dinner with a friend every week. Even after I graduated, he continued being present in my life—he would always share recipes with me of iconic Newman Club dinners, from complicated things like chicken parm to how to make asparagus. I am extremely grateful to have had John in my life!”
-Daniella Salazar ’17

Two of my best friends at Trinity were involved in the Catholic community and would invite me to Newman Club my junior and senior year. I felt so welcomed from the second I met John. I only regularly went to Newman Club for my last few semesters at Trinity, but John left such a huge mark on my experience, and I will never forget his kindness. He made Trinity such a special place, and I feel so thankful to have known him!
-Mackenzie Hammer ’18

It is difficult to put into words how thankful I am to have met John in this lifetime. The love he had for Trinity and our Newman community was special. I used to call him my school dad because his presence made me feel safe, loved, seen, and supported. On Wednesdays, as we sat around our Newman Club table drinking lemonade and eating his famous chicken parm, I never wanted to be anywhere else. I try to channel my inner John every day, and there is no doubt in my mind that he was an angel on Earth.
-Emily Wickles ’20

The alumni of the Trinity College Newman Club have begun brainstorming additional ways to honor John. If you would like to receive updates about or get involved with these efforts, please contact Maddie Grossman ’19 at [email protected].