Over 6,000 Birthday Cards Fulfill 102-Year-Old's Wish In Brick

BRICK, NJ — It was a simple request: Birthday cards to mark the 102nd birthday of George Campbell. And people — more than 6,000 and still counting — came through.

Campbell's request, shared by the staff at Willow Springs Rehabilitation and Healthcare, where he lives, has been fulfilled many times over: more than 6,000 cards had arrived as of Thursday, Oct. 10, his birthday.

"Today we celebrated George's 102nd birthday and wanted to share with everyone that he was incredibly humbled, grateful, and speechless with the over 4,000 cards he received from all over the world," the staff posted on Facebook Thursday evening.

On Friday, the count was more than 6,000, Willow Springs officials said in a news release.

Campbell, a World War II veteran, received an outpouring of birthday greetings, including a video from Governor Phil Murphy, a resolution from the New Jersey Senate, a proclamation from Brick Township, a birthday mention from Anderson Cooper at CNN and thousands of cards sent by well-wishers from across the nation and the world. Cards arrived from Scotland, Ireland and Germany in addition to the United States.

It all began when George’s daughter, Patricia Campbell-McAvoy of Brick, and Willow Springs Activity Director Jennifer Campbell asked George what he wanted for his birthday – to which he replied "102 cards." Willow Springs shared a post Sept. 26 on Facebook with George’s photo and his simple birthday wish. The post was viewed more than 134,000 times and shared nearly 1,400 times and drew the attention of local, regional and national media.

"We are so touched by the outpouring of kindness and support we received for George," said Yehuda May, LNHA, administrator at Willow Springs. "Our staff was thrilled to work with his daughter on this special surprise, and George’s delight was priceless. We want to thank Governor Murphy and all those who sent birthday greetings and gifts; you made his day – and year! This has been a wonderful 'feel good' experience for the entire Willow Springs team."

Originally from Perth Amboy, George resided in Brick for many years and moved to Willow Springs, a Marquis Health Services member, in May. He served in the Navy in the South Pacific during World War II. During his career, he worked as a sheet metal specialist, involved in building many diners, including the original O.B. Diner in Point Pleasant.

After he retired, George became a curator at the Thomas Edison Museum in West Orange, where he worked for 25 years. George’s many interests have included fishing, gardening and watching Wheel of Fortune.

When asked his secret to longevity, George answers "to be calm." Genetics may also play a role, as his mother lived to 104 years old.

George was married to his late wife, Kathleen Coogan Campbell, for 63 years, and has a son, Robert, in addition to daughter, Patricia, and three grandchildren, Erin, Jonathan and Brendan; and two great grandchildren, Alice and Clara.

While thousands of people mailed cards that continue to arrive, some of the birthday wishes were delivered in person. Brick Township police, who shared the Patch report on George's request, stopped by to deliver a card from the department and Police Chief James Riccio.

Balloons were delivered, and the staff of Antonio's Trattoria stopped by with trays of food along with a birthday card. Scouts from Boy Scout Troop 39 and Cub Scout Pack 39 delivered handmade cards to Campbell on Wednesday, the day before his birthday.

On Thursday, Brick Township Mayor John G. Ducey stopped by with a proclamation honoring George's birthday, as did members of the Laurelton Fire Company.

"Thank you to all of the kind people who are taking time to recognize this special occasion!" the facility said in a post on Facebook. "A small gesture turned into an outpouring of support from all over the country and we are incredibly grateful."

"On behalf of everyone here at Willow Springs, we thank you all for your outpouring of support, generosity and love for George," the staff wrote. "#WeAllMadeGeorgesWisheComeTrue"

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