Edward Campbell

Edward C. Campbell, age 86, of Boiling Springs, PA, passed away Saturday, July 18, 2015 at Chapel Pointe in Carlisle. Born May 24, 1929 in Scranton, PA, he was the son of the late Raymond and Mercedes Campbell. Ed served his country in the United States Navy and graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Industrial Engineering and worked for a number of years in that field. He later changed careers to follow his childhood dreams of becoming a violin maker and made violins, violas and cellos. Ed was primarily self taught but was helped by instrument makers in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. In 1960, he and his wife, Mary, established The Chimneys Violin Shop in Boiling Springs and later added a 4 year apprentice school which trained and graduated many people from the United States and other countries who now make instruments throughout the world. During the course of his career, Ed made 181 instruments and about 30 bows, and developed a special rosin. He was assisted in the early years by Lee Dunfee and Samuel Freeman and currently, by Nelson Steffy and Dana Jones. Ed was a founding member of the Violin Society of America (VSA) and was instrumental in keeping (VSA) viable during difficult times, is recognized as a “Master Violin Maker” and received 2 gold medals and a certificate for tone at the 1976 VSA competition; 2 certificates for workmanship at the 1978 VSA competition; a certificate for tone at the 1980 VSA competition; a gold medal and certificate for tone and 3 certificates for workmanship at the 1982 VSA competition. Ed also ran a Chimneys Violin workshop for 25 years in Tucson, Arizona and received numerous awards at the Arizona competition. He was also a long time member of the Mt Holly Springs Lions Club, the Mt. Holly Springs American Legion, served as President of the Board of Trustees for the Amelia Given Library, and was a prime mover in the capital campaign in the 1980s to add a wing to the library.

In addition to his parents, Ed was preceded in death by a brother, David Campbell. Surviving are his wife, Mary Dunfee Campbell, a niece, Susan Campbell Bartoletti, and nephew, Jeffrey Campbell.

Funeral Services will be held 1:00 PM, Thursday, July 23, 2015 in the Mt. Holly Springs United Methodist Church, 202 West Butler Street, Mt. Holly Springs, PA 17065 with Rev. Edward Alwine officiating.  A viewing at the church will begin at 12:00 Noon. Interment will be in the Mt. Holly Springs Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to his church.  The family wishes to thank the staff at Chapel Pointe for their kindness and care of Ed. Please visit www.hollingerfuneralhome.com for condolences to the family.