Rivelo "Ray" Coolidge Campagna

Rivelo “Ray” Coolidge Campagna, of Lunenburg, passed peacefully on September 21, 2026, in his birthplace of Corfinio, Italy, at the age of 100.

The last surviving member of the Brigata Maiella, Rivelo celebrated his 100th birthday this summer both in Massachusetts - surrounded by family and friends - and again in Corfinio, Italy, where the town honored his longevity and military service.

Born July 16, 1926, in Corfinio, Rivelo fought bravely alongside the Allies in WWII as part of the Brigata Maiella before immigrating to the United States in 1949. He established himself in Dedham, Massachusetts, as a skilled tailor. Later, alongside his brother and brothers-in-law, he co-founded the corrugated box company Star Container Corporation in Leominster - a family business that became a regional success and community cornerstone.

Rivelo was known for his warmth, generosity, musical talent, and love of golf - recording two holes-in-one.

He cherished returning to his native Corfinio in recent summers, nurturing close ties to his roots. He also enjoyed escaping the frigid New England weather, traveling to Florida each winter to get in as many rounds of golf as possible and play solitaire in the sunshine.

Rivelo’s life exemplified courage, hard work, and devotion to family both in Italy and America. He will be remembered for the legacy he leaves in both communities and in the hearts of all who knew him.

He is survived by his devoted wife Joyce (LeBlanc) Campagna, his son Pelino Campagna and his wife Ellen (McCann) Campagna of Leominster, his daughter Jocelynn (Campagna) Roetzer and her husband Tyler Roetzer of Lunenburg, his son Antonio Campagna and his wife Grace (Wambui) Campagna of Kanata, Canada, his beloved grandchildren Francesca (Anthony) Conte, Jonathan (Beth) Campagna, Braiden Roetzer, and Rivelo Campagna; great-grandchildren Maritza Conte, Alessandro Conte, Dylan Ashcroft, Gabriella Conte, Vanna Campagna, Roma Campagna; and great-great-granddaughter Eliza Ashcroft.

Rivelo was predeceased by his first wife, Maritza Ferzoco, his brothers Nemesio, Alessandro, and Rolando Campagna, his sisters Maria Pianezza, Ida Ferzoco, and Edda Vittorioso, and many other beloved family and friends.

“Il tuo ricordo vivrà per sempre nei nostri cuori.” (Your memory will live forever in our hearts.)  

A life well-lived - may he rest in peace.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, October 5th at Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Road, Fitchburg, from 4- 7 pm. A funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, October 6th at 11 am at St. Boniface Church, 817 Mass Ave, Lunenburg. Burial will be immediately following at St. Leo’s Cemetery in Leominster.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Rivelo’s memory to the Vanessa T. Marcotte Foundation, 67 West St., Medfield, MA 02052 (vtmf.org/donate).