By TOM WILLIAMS

The Cape-Atlantic sports community got a terrible jolt over the weekend with news of the death of Frank Campo.

A football star and wrestler at Penns Grove High School, Campo was one of the top scorers in the state in football. He wrestled at Eastern Kentucky University and eventually ended up at Atlantic City High School, where he taught and coached before becoming the school’s athletics director.

Here are the thoughts and memories of Campo from some people you probably know.

Mike Gatley (Mainland AD): “Where to begin. Our first-time meeting at Atlantic City High School in 1984. I was teaching social studies, Frank business. Or, when he became AD and asked me to be the golf coach – threw a Ping magazine at me and said ‘pick any set of clubs you want, I need you to coach’. If that were now, my answer would have changed. Speaking of golf – why the huge spot of red paint on every ball? – that’s Frank.

“To be with Frank was like being with the best friend you could ever have. Never a ‘big timer’, always made you feel like you were the most important person he knew – that’s Frank. Family always first – that’s Frank. Loved ACHS, the people, everyone – that’s Frank. The CAL was his stage – and boy could he move a room at our league meetings to laugh but listen to every word he said – that’s Frank.

“The final words I will write about being friends with Frank – he was authentic, dedicated, professional, and to anyone who ever met him – remembered. My friend, I love you, will miss you on so many levels. Rest in peace, we’ll get together for golf at the best course the heavens has to offer.”

Tony Surace (retired Millville AD): “When you first meet Frank Campo he appears to be quiet, Columbo-type person. But as I realized when I was first a CAL athlete director, he was very smart, probably the smartest man in the room.  His knowledge of the NJSIAA manual was amazing. The work he did for years with the CAL Basketball Tournament not only proved to be a revenue source but a huge boost to the basketball community. As a new AD he showed me the ropes for which I am forever thankful. Talk to any ACHS coach and they’ll say Frank was all about the kids. His involvement went beyond Atlantic City. He was a valued board member of the National Football Foundation for many years. Frank was well known and respected not only in the CAL but throughout South Jersey and the State.  A true family man he is missed as a husband, father and to literally thousands of us as a friend. RIP Frank Campo, an icon of his time.”

Fred Dalzell (Hall of Fame athlete): “Beloved by players, coaches and opposing teams, Frank was a man of grace and class. He was always able to keep in mind that it was ‘the kids welfare’ that was the primary reason for high school sports and therefore he had the respect of all. This giant of the CAL will be missed.”

Greg Donahue (legendary official): “I’ve known Frank for many years as I officiated four sports during my career. I always enjoyed going to ACHS as Frank was a very welcoming AD. He made you feel wanted as he appreciated your expertise as an official. There are many experiences I had on the soccer field, in the gym and on the baseball/softball diamond; however, I always appreciated Frank’s friendly smile, helpful comments and sincere appreciation for my efforts as an official. He cared and he demonstrated this whenever necessary. For example, once my partner for a varsity basketball game against a formidable AC opponent did not show up. Frank called and spoke to his wife who confirmed that her husband didn’t have the game on his calendar. Frank asked me to chose the better of the two JV officials, although there was a varsity official attending game. Frank insisted on one of the two JV officials. The game went well and afterwards he made the JV official and me feel like a million dollars. He then asked me to step out in the hallway and he provided the reason for not wanting the varsity official. Frank truly felt the game would be too much for him to handle and he didn’t want to put him in a possible ‘no win’ position. You see, Frank was truly  concerned about that official as well as the integrity of the contest. By the way, he spoke to the official who later told that he was not looking forward to officiating that game. He appreciated Frank’s concern.  Frank was an AD who went the extra mile mile to make high school sports meaningful for everyone.”  

Mike Rizzo (St. Augustine AD): “I had the pleasure to know Mr. Campo on many levels. First met him as a supportive St Augustine Prep parent of two athletes. He was a great inspiration and mentor to his sons. He was an incredible family man. He and his wife, Karen, are the perfect examples of the ideal parents and created the perfect family unit full of love and respect. Mr Campo was always the example of a Christian gentleman. Later in life, I got to experience and learn from a caring and well-respected administrator – someone with knowledge and experience beyond compare, always willing to help anyone from any school at any time. A true leader and icon in the industry of education. He had the invaluable knack to make everyone around him feel like they were his friend. He will be missed by many. The Rizzo and St Augustine Prep families send our deepest condolences to the Campo family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.”

Chris Ford (Atlantic City AD) “Frank was my boss, mentor, colleague (ACHS Athletics Hall Fame Committee) and friend. He always did everything he could to make sure ACHS athletic teams, coaches and student-athletes were successful. The Godfather of ACHS Athletics will be greatly missed.”

Paul Rodio (St. Augustine basketball coach): “Frank was the best. I had the opportunity to work with Frank as an AD, coach his son and become a friend to the family. A big loss for the entire CAL community.”

Mike Gill (award-winning broadcaster): “My dealings with Frank were always outstanding. Frank was a hands off-hands on guy. Anything you asked for at ACHS to make a broadcast better, he provided. He was always a great guest and storyteller and an ambassador for Atlantic City High School. He will be missed.”

Jim Schafer (former ACHS assistant coach): “In honor of the man who had as big a role as anyone in the success of Atlantic City High School boys basketball, Frank Campo was knowledgeable, incredibly hard working, caring, a loving family man and liked by all. Atlantic City lost a legend and one of its greatest people. He will be missed by all.”

It should be mentioned that during the final preparations of this column on the morning of April 6th, Jim’s father – a legend himself – died at age 87.

John Rodio (legendary official): “Frank was the epitome of class. A great gentleman, always respectful of your opinions regardless of his stance on matters. One of the GOAT’s of the CAL, he’s on the Mt Rushmore of the CAL and ACHS.”

Steve Fortis (Absegami AD and president of the CAL): I will relay my favorite anecdote about Frank that I often tell new ADs. Early in my career I would frequently call Frank for advice on how to handle situations. Then, one time, he called me and asked for help with something he was doing because, as he put it, ‘you have half a brain’. It was his way of complimenting me and letting me know I had made it as an AD. He loved Malbec wine. Whenever I helped him with something he would give me a bottle. I am drinking some now.”

Gene Allen (retired ACHS basketball coach): “I met Mr. Campo when Joe Fussner introduced me to him when I applied to become Joe’s freshman boys basketball coach. I eventually left the program to pursue a Master’s degree. When I later applied for the head coaching job I knew I wasn’t his first choice and it was for legitimate reasons. The AC boys basketball job is intense. Mayor Marty Small, who was on the Board of Education at that time, convinced Frank if I was to get the job we would win the state championship within three years. When we won our first state title they stood side by side – Marty gloating and Mr. Campo smiling. That meant the world to me – making him smile. He became such a mentor to me. What stood out was we received our championship jackets in August. We met later that summer. I had a barbecue at my house. He was the first guy to arrive and the last one to leave. We all took pictures, 85 degrees in our jackets. So many people didn’t expect me to have success but after one of our many disappointing seasons he brought me into his office and he said, ‘Gene, I didn’t know if you could handle this job but I want to apologize because you have far exceeded my expectations’. That’s the kind of person he was – he was always caring and honest. I loved that man and I never felt AC really understood his value at ACHS. I know he was the greatest AD. I really wish I would have spent more time with him outside the job because he was a very funny man and I always enjoyed his company. The worst part about getting old is you lose the ones you love with the hope that you meet again.”

Paul LeFever (retired Ocean City AD): “I always considered Frank Campo to be both a co-worker and a friend. He was a great professional, loved Atlantic City High School, his coaches and especially his athletes. He was a huge asset to the Cape-Atlantic League. You could count on him to help the league in every way possible. He often volunteered the facilities at ACHS for CAL championship basketball games, track meets, wrestling tournaments, etc. And he was always there to oversee. Frank was an old time AD who made the transition to modern high school sports. We were lucky to have him as part of our local sports family. Frank will be missed. He was one of the good guys in this world.”

Charlie “Capt. Chalie” McLughlin (former CAL athlete): When i first met Frank he needed some signage for the gym 1,000-point boards for girls and boys, track records, etc. We sat and talked for an hour about my Prep background and all the same people we knew, as well as his staff and coaches. After all that, he was such a great guy. I donated all the signage he needed and we became good friends. As we all know he retired and I would see him on the golf course quite often as well as on the back bays fishing. Every time he would ask how to fix his swing or where to go for better fishing spots. I told him, everything I could to help him. Always had smile and I enjoyed being with him every time. I’m gonna miss seeing him. 

Jason Lantz (ACHS girls basketball coach): “It was very sad news when I found out that Mr. Campo has passed away. He has always been a person who had high expectations for me. Whether it was being in the gym until 11:59pm, helping making life decisions, or even telling me that I was going to coach the second I got hired as a teacher, he was always in my corner as well as for countless others. He was one of the first to call me at milestones in my life to offer kind words, expectations, assistance or congratulations. We are very fortunate in our time to meet people who are exemplary and influential in ways we never can fully appreciate. Mr. Campo was a person who was passionate about our community and was the model of doing things above and beyond for the love of Atlantic City. You will be missed, Mr. Campo.”

Jay Connell (retired Holy Spirit AD): “Some of my Campo stories are probably not right for publication. But, when Ed Byrnes was our coach and AD, he and Frank would always communicate about thanksgiving tickets. One night, we were going over the game plan. The meeting was in my room, which is right along New Road. The windows were open and the lights were on, so you could see it from the road. All of a sudden, Frank come up to the window. It shakes up our coaches, who were not expecting it. ‘Ed, I’m not trying to steal your plays’, he said, ‘but I have to talk about tickets’. Every year for the next several years we had coaches looking out the window to see if Frank was going to show up.

“Frank and I were the very definition of friendly revivals. One year, Spirit won the conference in swimming and it was our conference’s turn to host the CAL championship meet. The other team was making a case that the Stockton pool (our home pool) was not conducive to a championship event. I can see the other league AD’s starting to be persuaded. Then Frank comes to the rescue saying AC will be the pool for Spirit to be the home team. Some people from the other school came early and put signs on the seats that read ‘reserved for Vineland fans’. Frank went ballistic. He had all the signs removed and gave their fans a good chastising. Spirit ended up winning and ended their winning streak. Frank was an amazing man in so many ways.”

Joe Fussner (former ACHS basketball coach): “Frank and I started teaching at Atlantic City High School the same year. For many years we were both teachers and coached different sports. I could write a book on my memories knowing Frank. I had the honor of working for three wonderful athletic directors. Starting with Leo Keating, Bill Ritchie and, lastly, Frank Campo. All three were unique and taught me a lot about the administrative part of coaching.
Frank was the most unique. His management style fit his personality. Very professional, intellectual, and caring. He had his own language, he would mumble, talk to himself, but if you listened carefully, he had a message. It made no difference if it was the old ACHS or the new, when he thought he was alone, he would pick up the microphone in the gym and belt out the National Anthem and maybe finish with a concert singing Smoky Robinson and the Miracle tunes. This is the way he prepared for a big crowd, alone in the gym, making sure everything was in working order.
As a coach, you could not have worked with anyone more caring and professional. He cared about the team, cheerleaders, coaches, media, fans and everyone associated with the game.
Frank often would travel with the team. Annually we played in Williamsport, Pa. One year our hotel had a Flintstone themed lounge. Here comes Frank dressed up as Freddy Flintstone.
Somehow, he convinced the character to loan him his costume. You just never knew what he was going to do next.
He would always say to me, I don’t know much about basketball, but ‘that last play’. And he would go on to explain the play as if he designed it. He knew every player in your program, he cared about everyone and always went out of his way to assure all was well.
Typical Frank was him helping put up the basketball nets, sweeping the floor, straightening the
benches, whatever it would take to make sure your program was first class.
As I opened, I could go on and on. Too many stories, serious to comical, important to just listening, he was the best. By far, the most professional, caring person I ever had the pleasure to work for.
After I left ACHS and went on to coach in college, I never stopped asking his help or opinion on issues, he always listened and always provided great advice. All of us who had the honor of knowing Frank lost a great friend and his lessons will continue to guide us.
His wife Karin and his sons, Michael and Matt, and his grandchildren, were blessed to have such a caring husband, father and grandfather. Rest in Peace, Frank!”

In 2014, after Campo retired, Dave Talarico of Schoppy’s teamed with Prime Events to create the Frank Campo Humanitarian Award. The list of those 10 winners, complete with resumes and photos, is HERE. An 11th winner will be announced on June 11th.

Back in October, as part of Prime Events’ Conversations series, we interviewed Campo, together with Tony Surace, at Illiano’s Ristorante in Hammonton. It might be Frank’s last recorded interview. If you haven’t watched it – or want to watch it again – it is available HERE.

Frank Campo went from being a brilliant athlete to an athletic director who changed things, making them better, while retaining some of the important principles of high school sports. He was a great person to be around and would do almost anything to help anyone.

Frank Campo was 76.