Campbell, Stephen F. (Father)

Jan. 10, 2023 – Father Stephen F. Campbell, SJ, died Jan. 7, 2023, at the Jesuit Residence at Spring Hill College in Mobile, Ala. He was 68 years old, a Jesuit for 48 years and a priest for 37 years.

A prominent member of the Spring Hill College faculty, Fr. Campbell will be remembered in a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. in St. Joseph’s Chapel at Spring Hill College, with visitation beforehand beginning at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be immediately after the Mass in the Spring Hill College Jesuit cemetery.

Stephen Campbell was born in New Orleans Nov. 14, 1954, to Julia Dox and Nicholas M. Campbell, Sr., who predeceased him. He is survived by his sister, Catherine Reichard, and his brothers John D., Nicholas M., Jr., Robert M., Michael C., and Patrick H. Campbell, as well as by nieces and nephews.

He attended Jesuit High School, graduating in 1972, and then Spring Hill College for two years, before entering the Society of Jesus on Aug. 14, 1974, at St. Charles College in Grand Coteau, La. He pronounced first vows on Aug. 15, 1976, and was ordained to the priesthood on June 8, 1985, at the Spring Hill College Chapel. He pronounced his final vows at Spring Hill, in the same chapel where he had been ordained, on March 21, 2003.

He taught French and theology at Jesuit High School in Tampa 1978-81 and while there began to direct plays with the Masque Club. Theater would become a passion for him, as he earned both a Master of Arts in Theatre and a Ph.D. in Theatre/Drama from Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill.

Father Campbell was missioned to Spring Hill College as a professor of Theater in 1991. He would remain there his entire priestly career. During his time at Spring Hill, he also served as rector of the Jesuit Community 2003-09, as well as acting rector for much of 2015 and 2017-18. He also served Spring Hill College as chair of the Visual and Performing Arts Department.

Father Campbell earned his bachelor’s degree at Loyola University in New Orleans and a Master of Divinity at the Weston School of Theology in Cambridge, Mass. He spent a fourth year studying theology at the Centre Sèvres in Paris, 1985-86.

We remember with gratitude all that God has done through Fr. Campbell’s life of service to God and God’s people.

Memorial gifts may be made to the USA Central and Southern Province of the Society of Jesus at 4511 West Pine Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108 or through this website.