Frank Campbell, III. Obituary

Frank J. Campbell, III. of Media, PA., passed away on September 9, 2025.  He was 93.

Born July 18, 1932, Frank was the son of Frank J. Campbell, Jr. and Jane Dagit Campbell. He attended Waldron Academy, St. Joseph's Prep, and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He graduated in 1954, receiving the G. M. Loeb Award for the best thesis on investments.

While awaiting the draft, he traveled through Europe with two close friends, following in Ernest Hemingway’s footsteps. That trip, filled with art, music, wine, and food, deeply influenced his life. From 1955–1956, he served in the United States Army and was stationed near Paris, in Verdun.

Frank began his long career at Reynolds & Company in 1956, becoming a partner in 1969. When Reynolds incorporated in 1971, he became Division Vice President overseeing seven offices. After 31 years, he left as a Senior Vice President of Dean Witter Reynolds (later to merge with Morgan Stanley) and went on to co-found the Pennsylvania Merchant Group in 1987. The firm was sold to South African bank, Investec, in 2003, but Frank continued working until 2019 because he loved what he did. Known as a “straight arrow,” Frank was deeply respected by clients, friends, and colleagues as a man of his word. He will be remembered for his fairness, wisdom, and integrity.

He was active in many professional organizations, including the Financial Analyst Federation, the American Exchange Club, and the Philadelphia Securities Association. He also served as a Board Member of the Bond Club of Philadelphia and on the Board of Governors of the Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington Stock Exchange, where he chaired both the Committee on Business Conduct and the Committee on Admissions. 

Frank contributed his time as a member of the Advisory Board of the Presbyterian Heart Institute, Treasurer and Board Member of the Agnes Irwin School, and as a member of both the Philadelphia Country Club and the Union League. He also contributed to Catholic Charities and the University of Pennsylvania throughout his life. 

Frank lived for many things, including gourmet food, good wine at a good price, and travel. An inveterate Francophile, he especially loved Paris and spent time in Provence, Burgundy, the Loire Valley, Normandy, and the Dordogne. But his heart was in St. Bart’s, where he owned a home for 20 years. 

He was equally passionate about sports and culture. Frank had a dry wit, a love of both good jokes and bad puns, and an enduring appreciation for music—from classical to jazz. Golf was a lifelong hobby. Though his favorite course was the PCC, Frank also enjoyed playing at renowned courses such as Waterville and Killarney in Ireland, Dorado Beach, and Mid-Ocean. Inspired by his grandfather Campbell, he studied racing forms and later owned a racehorse, “Cool Cash.” His grandfather also encouraged him to read The Wall Street Journal, nurturing a balanced view of business and risk-taking. 

Frank’s greatest pride of all was his family. He married Dorothy Robb in 1961, and they had four children, Tracy Smith, Wendy Daniels (Joel), Cindy Crochiere (Brian), and F.J. IV, MD (Beth). After Dottie’s death, he married Judy Wagner Myers in 1980. She passed away in 2012. His stepchildren are John Myers (Sally) and the late Jackie Myers Simms. He is also survived by a sister, Leonide Prince, and companion, Diana Bittel.  A true patriarch, his legacy will be carried on by 13 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren, of whom he was enormously proud. 

Frank considered himself a very lucky man, particularly after surviving a fall through an elevator shaft in the 1950s, and two heart attacks in 1974 and 2016. On one trip to Ireland, his driver marveled that whenever they stopped to admire a view, the sun broke through the clouds. By the end of the trip, the driver told him, “You are the luckiest man I have ever met—may I touch your sleeve for a bit of luck of me own.” True to form, Frank was lovingly known to many family and friends by his nickname, Lucky François.

Frank will be remembered for his humor, warmth, and wisdom. His family and friends will forever cherish the stories he shared around the dinner table. He will be missed by us all! 

Relatives and friends are invited on Monday September 15th, Visitation from 10 to 11 AM with Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM at St. Mary Magdalen Church, 2400 N. Providence Rd., Media PA 19063.  Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohocken, PA.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Mary Magdalen School, Media, PA.