Obituary

Jay Douglas Campbell, Sr., 80, of Chippewa Twp., passed away peacefully Thursday, March 6, 2025, at St. Barnabas-Gibsonia.

Born May 2, 1944, in New Brighton, he was the son of the late James M. Campbell and Nellie (Douthett) Campbell.

Jay attended New Brighton High School where he excelled in sports, lettering in football, basketball and baseball.  His love for sports continued throughout his life taking great joy in watching his children and grandchildren play in high school and college, never missing a game 

Jay was an avid golfer and proud member of the Bandits golf league at the Beaver Valley Country Club.  “Hook” and “J-Bird”, as he was known on the links, was always up for a “mergency 9”. 

Jay started his banking career as a teller at WPNB in Beaver Falls while attending night school at Geneva College.  After graduating from Geneva, Jay worked his way up to branch manager at Equibank before moving on to Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer. After retiring from PNC in 2006, Jay continued to learn, adapt and challenge himself, developing a remarkably open mind and heart and unconditionally supporting the people he loved most.

Jay never wavered in his love for his family or his commitment to living his life fully, whether on the beach, in the casino, or hosting his infamous Christmas Eve parties.  He was a guy’s guy, the life of the party, and a devoted family man.  He was known as Big Daddy Jay to his kids’ friends who he taught to “let it settle!”  There may or may not have been some Maker’s Mark involved. 

He is survived by his loving wife and partner in crime of 59 years, Barbara Jean (Phillips).  They loved to sing and dance and often were the first couple on the dance floor at social events.  They were inseparable even in his final days.  His legacy lives on in the values he instilled in his children and grandchildren, daughter Lisa (Helen Smith), his two sons, J.D. (Carrie), Jesse (Nikki Nocera); six grandchildren, Lauren (Chris) Ryan, Anthony (Megan) Esoldo, Joseph (fiancée Ashley Stein), Chloe Campbell, Phoebe Campbell, and Niko Campbell; three great-grandchildren, Gianna and Declan Ryan, and Alessia Esoldo;  He is also survived by two brothers, Jim (Shirley) Campbell, and Bruce (Cheryl) Campbell; and sister-in-law, Ruth Campbell. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother Jerry Campbell. 

Friends will be received on Monday, March 10^th from 2-4pm and 6-8pm and Tuesday, March 11^th from 10am until the time of the blessing service at 11am in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREAMATION SVCS, INC – 117 Blackhawk Rd, Chippewa Twp.  Fr. Kim Schreck will officiate. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in Jay’s name to the Alzheimer’s Foundation- 2835 Carson St., Suite 200, Pittsburgh PA  15203.

The family would like to give a special thanks to the staff at St. Barnabas Gibsonia for their care and compassion during his stay.