The Latest News

FE&S delivers relevant news of the day to the foodservice equipment and supplies marketplace.

Advertisement

Remembering Dick Campion

Russell Richmond "Dick" Campion, a member of the foodservice industry for more than 40 years, died on July 8, 2015, in Palm City Fla. He was 84 years old.

Preceded in death by his wife Peggy, Campion is survived by his children, Jill Walker (Campion), Jon Campion, and Thomas Campion of Nashville Tenn.; six grandchildren and his sister Barbara O'Keefe. Thomas Campion is president of Franke Foodservice Systems and a past president of the North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers.

A Wisconsin native, Campion's foodservice industry career began in 1953 when he joined the Boelter Company, a Milwaukee-based foodservice equipment and supplies dealer.

In 1963 he was hired by the Bastian Blessing Company, a dealer fabricator providing kitchen and service lines for cafeteria operators in the U.S. After a two-year assignment in New York City, Campion was transferred to the company's Chicago headquarters, where he served in various sales management positions.

During his time with Bastian Blessing, Campion helped develop a concept of providing turnkey equipment packages to restaurants such as McDonald's. He also became president of Bastian Blessing. He served NAFEM on its Board of Directors as well as a term as president.

After 30 years with Bastian Blessing, Campion moved to Florida and became president of Stainless Inc. In 1986 he became president of Franke Foodservice Inc. He retired in 1992. One year later he and Peggy started European Kitchen Sink Outlet in Stuart, Fla., a business that supplies products to homeowners. In 2002 Campion sold the business to his son Jon.

A memorial service will take place at 11 a.m. on August 1 at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 625 SE Ocean Blvd., Stuart Fla. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you support St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

Advertisement