STILLWATER - Van Rensselaer "Toby" Campbell, Jr, 87, of Wrights Loop, died peacefully on Thursday, Nov 18th, in the comfort of his home, on the river he loved so much, in the company of his loving family. Born in New Concord, NY, July 3, 1934, son of the late Van Rensselaer Campbell, Sr. and Mabel Roney Campbell. Toby graduated from Chatham High School and then received an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice from HVCC. An ambitious man, Toby began his 21 year career in law enforcement, with the New York State Police, in 1957. During those years, Toby began as a Trooper, earned the rank of Sergeant, and an Investigator with the NYSP Bureau of Criminal Investigation in Troop G, Loudonville, retiring in 1978. To continue his public service, Toby was elected as a Justice of the Peace for the Town of Stillwater in 1988, and served honorably for 18 years, before his retirement. He also served as a Private Investigator for various lawyers and insurance companies. Toby was proud of the life he provided as a husband, father, grand and great grandfather. He was a caretaker for several area cemeteries over the years. He also made time to volunteer with the Meals on Wheels program, and was a member of the retired Troopers Assoc., the Mechanicville-Stillwater Elks Club and the Stillwater Republican Committee. As an avid sportsman, Toby enjoyed hunting and fishing over the years. In his spare time he enjoyed mowing his property and loved riding his Wheel Horse tractor. A smart guy, with a wry sense of humor, Toby had that ability to work through any problem presented to him. In the last number of years, despite his declining health, all would see his ambling about using his two canes.
Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Cecilia "Cissy" Hickey Campbell, whom he married April 12, 1969. Children: Sandra (Ted, Jr.) Bombola, Patti (Bob) Mattick, Duncan (Pam) Campbell, Laura(Chris) Golden and Beckie(Jake) Harrica, grandchildren: Ted III, Erin (Kenny), Lee (Megan), Zachary, Ryan, Owen and Wyatt along with great grandkids Colby, Lee, Jr, Heidi, Molly and Rylee. Also his brother Kenny Campbell and nephew Cliff (Carol) Campbell, Jr. as well as several other nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother Cliff Campbell and sister Helen Delaney.
Toby's family wishes to thank the Malta/Stillwater Rescue Squad, Stillwater Police Dept, especially Chiefs Ray Cordani and Paul Pecor for all their assistance over the years, as well as Toby's many friends and neighbors that became family.
Calling hours will be held on Monday, Nov 22nd from 11 AM to 2 PM at the DeVito-Salvadore Funeral Home, 39 So. Main St, Mechanicville. Burial will follow with police honors at Stillwater Union Cemetery. His family strongly suggests that in lieu of flowers, remembrances in Toby's honor may be made to Stillwater Community Center Eldercare program, PO Box 536, Stillwater, NY 12170 or Malta/Stillwater EMS, 2449 State Hwy 9, Ballston Spa, NY 12020.