'Angels' Named by Beautification Committee

The named Jack O'Keefe and Margaret (Peg) Campbell as their "Angels of the Year" at the the committee's annual holiday luncheon on Wednesday at. The pair, says , head of the committee, "are exceptional volunteers."

The award came as a surprise to both O'Keef and Campbell, who are both members of the beautification committee and play important roles in the beautification committee's mission.

"Every year, we find an exceptional volunteer to give this award to and this year we have two," said von Freddie. "We are so fortunate to have these two very special people as a major force in HBBA.  "I am very lucky to have these two on my team."

O'Keefe, who resides in Hampton Bays with his wife, said von Freddi not only chairs the committee's event, but also the audit committee and the memorial tree and bench committee. He is also a volunteer on the garden party, garden tour, fall banners, holiday and the committees.

"Jack is truly a man for all seasons.  The quintessential volunteer who is always ready to help out on any project or event," said von Freddi.

O'Keefe's wife, Madeline says her husband, who grew up in Manhattan, has always had a soft-side when it comes to giving back to his community, even when working as an executive for Revlon Cosmetics.

When living in Sea Cliff, Madeline says her husband started the North Shore Sheltering Program and after moving to Hampton Bays full-time, he became involved in not only the beautification committee, but Maureen's Haven, which serves the areas homeless population in the winter months. He also plays Santa every year for the Hampton Bays School District holiday fundraiser.

"It would be imposible to tell you everything he does," said Madeline. "He likes to be busy and is always on the move."

O'Keefe and his wife have four children, 10 grandchildren and and great-grandchild.

Campbell, according to von Freddi, has been a director with the committee for many years. She not only manages the committee's membership, but also chairs the public relations committee and assists at every fundraiser, including the annual garden party, garden tour, and concert. 

"We love her enthusiasm," said von Freddi.

According to Campbell's sister, Mary Egan, Campbell is an "very up person."

"She's always giving a helping hand," said Egan. "She is just loved by everyone."

Campbell grew up in the South Bronx and spend most of her adult live in Farmingdale with her husband and four children.  She served in a variety of positions with the Farmingdale School District, retiring as head of maintenance for the school system.

"She ran a tight ship," said Egan.  "She was a good boss."

Egan says her sister moved to Hampton Bays shortly after she did around 1995.

Battling a stroke ten years ago, Egan says her sister remained positive and has always stepped up to lending a helping hand, volunteering wherever she can.