LUNENBURG — Rivelo “Ray” Campagna, a longtime Lunenburg resident, recently celebrated his 100th birthday at Oak Hill Country Club, surrounded by more than 140 family members and friends. His remarkable life reflects courage, perseverance, entrepreneurship, and an unwavering devotion to family.
Born on July 16, 1926, in Corfinio, L’Aquila, Italy, Campagna came of age during World War II. During the war, he fought alongside the Allied forces in Italy. In recognition of his wartime service, the Mayor of Corfinio honored Campagna with the city’s Medal of Honor during a special ceremony two years ago. After the war, he trained as a tailor, perfecting his craft before immigrating to the United States. In 1949, he immigrated to the United States to join his father and older brother, Alessandro (“Sandro”), who had already established themselves in America.
His family eventually settled in Dedham, Mass., where Campagna worked as a tailor, fondly recalling that he once made a suit for Jackie Gleason.
The extended family purchased an old schoolhouse in Dedham, where they all lived together as they established themselves in their new country. Inspired by what they learned in the corrugated box business, they eventually sold the schoolhouse and used the proceeds to pursue their dream of owning a business. Ray and his partners each invested $5,000. Renting space in Fitchburg from fellow Corfinio native Sam Clemente, they purchased machinery and founded Star Container Corporation.
Star Container was co-founded and co-owned by Alessandro “Sandro” Campagna, Teodorico “Teo” Vittorioso, Osvaldo “Aldo” Ferzoco, Rolando Campagna, and Rivelo “Ray” Campagna. Taking the first initials of their names, they created the name STAR Container. Originally located on Nashua Street in Leominster, the company later expanded to nearby Pioneer Industrial Park. What began as a small family venture grew into one of the region’s most respected manufacturers, employing more than 150 loyal and dedicated employees for over 40 years and becoming an important part of the North Central Massachusetts community.
Away from work, Ray became known not only as a successful businessman but also for his warm personality, generous spirit, and beautiful operatic singing voice. Music has remained one of his lifelong passions. Ray has also been an avid golfer throughout his life and is well known at Oak Hill Country Club, where he has enjoyed the game for many years. A talented golfer, he has recorded two hole-in-ones; a distinction few golfers ever achieve. Even at 100 years old, Ray’s love of the game remains one of the many passions that have enriched his remarkable life.
Ray is the father of Pelino “Bill” Campagna from his first marriage to Maritza Ferzoco, who passed away in 1976. Ray later married Joyce (LeBlanc) Campagna, whose love and support have been constant throughout their many years together. Together, they raised Jocelynn (Campagna) Roetzer and Antonio Campagna. Today, Ray and Joyce are surrounded by a large and loving family that includes grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
The birthday celebration brought together generations of family and friends to honor not only Ray’s remarkable longevity but also a lifetime of hard work, sacrifice, and accomplishment. From an Italian tailor who arrived in America with little more than his skills to a businessman who helped build one of the region’s most respected family-owned manufacturers, Ray’s story reflects the determination and optimism of a generation that helped shape North Central Massachusetts.
As he begins his second century, Ray remains an inspiration to all who know him. His family is grateful to celebrate not only his 100th birthday but also the extraordinary legacy he continues to leave for future generations.
-Wendy LeBlanc
Comments