Dennis Campbell

Dennis Campbell, 85, of Edgewater, Maryland, passed away on May 26, 2024, with his family by his side.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Claire Marie (Decker), his parents, Timothy and Mary Campbell, his sister, Patricia Kirchner, and his granddaughter Aileen Marie Campbell. Dennis was born in Boston, Massachusetts on July 15,1938. His family settled in Arlington where he graduated from Arlington High School in 1956. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Army, was stationed in Korea and then in Upstate New York where he met his future wife, Claire. They were married on October 22, 1960, and started their family in 1961 when Stephen was born, followed by Cynthia in 1962, and Patricia in 1967. Dennis and Claire raised their family in Washington DC, Landover MD, and Riva MD.

Dennis spent a total of 31 years in Law Enforcement, joining the Metropolitan Police Department in 1961 and then joined the Prince Georges County Police Department in 1964, retiring at the rank of Lieutenant in 1992. His duties included Patrol, Special Operations, where he was instrumental in the development of the unit, Investigations, and training. His duty stations included Seat Pleasant, Oxon Hill, Bowie, Forestville and Clinton. After retirement, Dennis and Claire moved to the “lake house” in Lake Anna, VA where he enjoyed fishing and boating as well as hosting weekends and summer vacations with their children and the grandkids. They resided there until they moved to St. Leonard MD. Dennis was always a history “buff” especially when it came to the Civil War. His interest in the history of the PGPD resulted in him being asked to write that history. The outcome of that was the publication in 1991 of a “Journey Through Time: A Pictorial History of the Prince Georges County Police Department”. Dennis published his second book in 2016, “Redemption at Upper Marlboro”, which is a collection of events and facts surrounding an 1893 murder case. He also published several “articles” and “notes” in reference to the history of Prince Georges County and the Police Department.

A constant trait of Dennis’ was his faith. He was an active parishioner of Jesus Devine Word Catholic Church and a 4 th Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus Council 14775. Dennis was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother-in-law, and uncle. He is survived by his son Stephen and daughter- in-law Julie Campbell of Prince Frederick Md. His daughter Cynthia Sullivan of Riva Md, and his daughter Patricia Campbell of Edgewater Md. Affectionally known as Pop-Pop he is survived by ten grandchildren, Jeffrey Sullivan (Jessica), Jennifer Sullivan, Kelly Mueller (Jonathon), Megan Anger, Caitlin Healy, Erin Levine (Keith), Ian Campbell, Emily Zell (Conor), Rachael Johnson (Michael Friend), Devin Johnson and by four great-grandchildren, Brielle Sullivan, Declan Sullivan, Lucas Santos, and Zander Mueller. Also known as Denny or Uncle Denny to his in-laws and nieces and nephews in both the Campbell and Decker families.

A visitation will be held at Lee Funeral Home Calvert, 8200 Jennifer Lane, Owings, MD on Monday, June 3, 2024, from 2:00-4:00 pm and 6:00-8:00pm. The funeral Mass will be held at Jesus Divine Word Catholic Church, 885 Cox Road, Huntingtown MD on Tuesday, June 4, 2024 at 10:00 am with the celebration of life reception immediately following in Doran Hall. The internment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Dennis Campbell to the Hospice of the Chesapeake or to Concern of Police Survivors (COPS).

https://www.hospicechesapeake.org/giving/donate-now

https://form-renderer-app.donorperfect.io/give/concerns-of-police-

survivors/general-donation-form