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Thank You, Frank
Nobility comes in all shapes and forms. We recognize kings and queens, dukes and knights for their royalty and categorize them as nobles.
Our mistake is presuming everything noble automatically equals riches. But we forget that service, dignity and perseverance in the face of conflict also refer to things that can be noble, things that described the good nature and intention of Frank Campbell.
He didn’t plant the first seed that sprouted into this city, but he was one of the residents responsible for making Hackensack the suburban metropolis that it is today. Mr. Campbell, a friend to The Chronicle and one of Hackensack’s most active residents, passed away last Saturday, leaving behind his own family and those who became his family.
Through all the changes at City Hall, Mr. Campbell has been the one constant. He attended as many council meetings as possible and voiced his opinions on just about anything, regardless of the tone of the meeting or whether or not any other member of the public seemed to care.
He was courageous and fought for the silent majority. Mr. Campbell cared about rising taxes and homeless shelters. He also cared if there was a crack in a neighbor’s sidewalk or a pothole in front of his neighbors driveway.
His family’s legacy includes a great grandfather who was Hackensack’s first Postmaster, another relative who donated the property used for the cemetery on Hudson Street, and his father who was a city engineer and director of the DPW.
Mr. Campbell once served on the city’s assessment and Planning boards, but his legacy will be marked by his unwavering dedication outside the official capacity. He has set the bar for civic participation, and his good spirit will never leave City Hall.
For service, dignity and perseverance, we thank Frank Campbell and, with regret, say goodbye.