CHICAGO — Joe Campolo, co-founder and retired vice chair of Arbor Investments, died peacefully at his Winnetka, IL home following a battle with brain cancer on Oct. 24. He was 54 years old.
“We are all heartbroken,” shared Gregory J. Purcell, CEO and co-founder of Arbor. “Joe and I were extraordinarily lucky to participate in this fantastic private equity industry together for more than two decades having worked together at American National Bank and Trust Company of Chicago in our 20s. We traveled the country together running down food deals and enjoyed a phenomenal run as partners, and more importantly, as friends. As I reflect back, Arbor has evolved so much from the early days of Joe, me and a fax machine when we started in 1999.”
Campolo was pivotal to the co-creation and growth of the private equity firm for over 20 years. During his tenure at Arbor, he built several successful food and beverage companies by partnering with ambitious entrepreneurs and families.
“Joe’s competitiveness will forever be his legacy, woven into the fabric of Arbor,” Purcell continued. “He left his imprint not only on those who had the privilege to work alongside him, but also on the entrepreneurs, leaders and associates of so many food companies.”
Notable companies include Gold Standard Baking, recognized as “Deal of the Year” in 2016 by Buyout Magazine, and Greco and Sons, which was purchased by Sysco Corp. in 2021.
“My family and I are without words upon learning of Joe’s untimely passing,” said Eddie Greco, founder and CEO of Greco Sons. “I first met Joe around six years ago as our family business was exploring investment partners; we connected immediately, and I was certain we would work well together. We shared the same tenacity, business ethics, and family values. I will forever be indebted to Joe for his guidance and contribution to our companies. Without him, Greco and Sons would assuredly not be where it is today. He will be deeply missed by our family and so many others.”
Campolo’s career in business spanned three decades in the Chicago area, from his start at Andersen Consulting to additional roles in finance and commercial banking prior to co-founding arbor Investments. The Pittsburgh native graduated cum laude from Villanova University in 1990 and earned an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh’s Katz Graduate School of Business in 1993.
Beyond business, Campolo’s commitment to educational and philanthropic institutions were cornerstones of his life. He was an active board member of the Basser Center Advisory Board for BRCA at Penn Medicine and served as a trustee for Villanova University and chair of the university’s Endowment Investment Committee. Campolo was honored with a Doctor of Humane Letters Honoris Causa this past spring for his generosity, dedication and loyalty to Villanova.
Campolo is survived by his wife, Angie, and daughters, Mia, Caroline and Claudia.
Visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday, Oct. 27 from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Donnellan Family Funeral Services in Skokie, IL. A funeral mass will be held Friday, Oct. 28 at 10:00 a.m. at Saints Faith, Hope & Charity Catholic Church in Winnetka.
