Theodore F Kampf, Jr.

There is so much beauty in the world. Move lightly, take only memories, and leave only footprints. Theodore F. “Teddy” Kampf, Jr. possessed an innate wanderlust. Travel inspired a love affair with the life he captured with photographs that served as a return ticket to a moment otherwise gone. Travel isn't always pretty though. It isn't always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. These journeys change us.

Teddy left Oaklyn in his brand new Chevy pickup for the great white north of Canada’s Yukon territory in the summer of ‘81. At the age of 46, it was the last he would be seen. Many years of heartbreaking uncertainty including the tireless efforts of the Oaklyn Police and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police culminated when Teddy was positively identified to bring closure to the unknowing on September 13, 2021. Teddy would have been 86 years old.

Teddy was born in Philadelphia and had been an Oaklyn neighbor all of his years. He enlisted his efforts in the United States Army as a Reservist, was an avid photographer, and could easily get lost in National Geographic Magazine. He traveled when he could and had the opportunity to visit Arizona, Tennessee, and Illinois among other locales. Teddy was highly academic and intellectual. Early on he worked as an engineer for electrical firms and spent many years working as a talented print and circuit designer for Bell Telephone.

There is no discomfort in this world as bad as watching someone we love hurt and having no answer. Teddy is the son of the late Theodore F. & Mary (nee McColgan) Kampf, Sr. who passed away before peace of mind was pieced together. He is survived by his cousins Bonnie Defeo of Absecon and Frank Kampf of Philadelphia. Teddy is also survived by and will be sadly missed by a dear Kampf family friend Mike McMenamin.

Relatives, friends, and neighbors are invited to come together in tribute and Thanksgiving. We’ll remember and celebrate his short and untimely life on Saturday, April 1st between 9:00 am and 9:30 am at Creran Celebration Etherington & Creran Funeral Homes, 400 White Horse Pike, Oaklyn where a remembrance ceremony will begin at 9:30 am. Mausoleum entombment, the fulfillment of closure, and a family reunion will follow at New St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bellmawr. As an expression of sympathy and in lieu of flowers, contributions and non-perishable food donations can be made, in Teddy’s memory, to the Oaklyn Food Pantry 29 E. Bettlewood Ave. Oaklyn, NJ 08107.

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