Obituary of Frank John Campobasso

Frank Campobasso, 95 years young, passed peacefully at home with his wife (Gertrude "Ruth"), daughter (Paula), and son-in-law (Lee) on the morning of August 2nd, 2013. Frank was a dedicated husband for over 60 years, a father, a grandfather (to Ryan), a father-in-law, an uncle, an avid Red Sox fan, an unparalleled gardener, a World War II veteran, and he always had an endless supply of jokes. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to friends and family. He was also a lifelong student of the latest research in vitamins, supplements, and longevity. He began his life journey in Arlington Massachusetts, outside of Boston, born at home to parents that were both born in Italy. He was one of fifteen children. His early years were spent growing up on a family farm using "organic" methods and horses for the plowing, fertilizer making, and pulling the cart to the "farmers market". Later his family built greenhouses where they grew vegetables, even in the winter, for the local market. When war broke out in Europe he enlisted in the Army. He served in a field hospital in many of the now famous battles after participating in the Normandy invasion. He always had funny stories to tell of his friends that he grew up with and his military buddies. After the war he returned to the family greenhouse business to grow gardenias for the New York market. He would tell of how the fragrance of the gardenias would fill the neighborhood when they opened the greenhouse windows. He even used the gardenias to woo the mother of his future bride, Gertrude "Ruth", who now survives him. He went on to raise a family with her, having their daughter Paula. He worked for the Town of Arlington in the school system where he later retired. In 1991, he and his wife moved to California to live in Sonora where they could also be closer to their daughter, son-in-law, and grandson. He grew the best tomatoes, cucumbers, and other vegetables in a climate that wasn't friendly at all to gardening. When he and his wife moved to Carmel Valley, California in 1997 he joined his daughter, son-in-law, and grandson. He employed his many years of experience in growing and gardening to produce an incredible yield of produce for his family and friends. For several years he grew and donated heirloom tomato plants for the Carmel Valley Garden Association. He was recognized as a lifelong member of the association. One of Frank's greatest interests in life was the Boston Red Sox. He would go as a young boy to Fenway park and see some of the all time greats like Babe Ruth. He could tell you statistics and player's names from all of the years, including in WWII, and key games. He was so happy to be able to watch the Red Sox win the World Series in 2004 and 2007! He would even watch the games with his Red Sox hat on. So, as Frank ended this journey he did it similar to how he started it. He was with family that loved him and he was at home. The family will have a private celebration of life in his garden at home in Carmel Valley. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Franks memory be sent to : Life Extension Foundation Inc. Attn: Accounting Department 3600 West Commercial Boulevard Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309