We'll Miss You, Uncle Warren!

On thursday, we lost my Great-Uncle. It wasn't sudden, we had been expecting it for some time, however the grief is still there. I will miss seeing his smile at family gatherings!

Uncle Warren, may you rest in peace, I know Maw Maw was waiting there on the other side for you when you passed.

CAMPO Warren L. Campo, Jr., New Orleans musician and entrepreneur passed away on July 2nd. He was 86 years old. He is survived by his son, Warren "Larry" Campo, III, daughter, Joyce Campo, and their mother Lela M. Campo. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Damon McKnight, Holly Campo, Kevin McKnight, Katie Blanchard, April Campo, Warren L. Campo, IV and 4 great grandchildren. Warren began his music career at a very early age playing piano in French Quarter clubs until WWII. He enlisted in the Navy and was accepted into the navy band, as a musician first class. During his tour of duty in Bremerton, Washington, he was reunited with 3 New Orleans musicians, Philip Zito, Tony Costa, and Rupert Copponex who had the honor of playing for President Franklin Roosevelt. At the end of the war, Warren returned to New Orleans and joined the Russ Papalia Orchestra as a piano man. During that time, Warren with his brother Lloyd, started a retail store, Campo Bros. Music Store located in Gentilly on Florida Ave. Later, the company expanded to a new location on Broad St. The brothers later formed a wholesale company known as New Orleans Music Supply importing musical instruments. NOMS purchased a locally owned music co., Hall Drum Co. which took their company nationally as the US distributor of Premier Drums. Later, Warren, founded and was partner of Hotel Villa Convento located in the French Quarter. He was a former member of New Orleans Yacht Club, Wally Byam Airstream Travel Club, Mercedes Benz Club, Past President of LA unit of Wally Byam Caravan Club, and 1977-78 received the New Orleans Credit Women's Boss of the Year award. He traveled extensively for both business and pleasure covering all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Central America, British Virgin Islands,Japan, and China. Warren is survived by his brothers, Lloyd Campo and Robert"Bob" Campo .He was preceded in death by his father,Warren L. Campo, Sr., mother, Leona H. Campo, and his sister, Naomi Veith. Memorial mass will be at St. Louis Cathedral on Wednesday, July 8, 2009 at 12 noon. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Habitat for Humanity Musicians Village-New Orleans, P.O. box 15052, New Orleans, LA 70175-5052. Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. To sign and view the Family Guestbook, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.