At Luther Vandross’s passing, Frank E Campbell’s Funeral Home staff was wonderful. I will always be grateful for the kindness, respect, and professionalism shown during such a difficult time.
Frank E. Campbell’s at the corner of Madison Avenue and 81st Street is celebrating its 125th anniversary. They have arranged the funerals for New York’s bigges stars including John Lennon, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, former Gov. Mario Cuomo, former Mayor Ed Koch, Judy Garland, Aaliyah, Heath Ledger, Biggie Smalls, Joan Rivers, and Luther Vandross.
I remember picking out Luther’s coffin from a large selection. I chose the gold one.
I also remember providing photos and album covers as source material for their morticians. His family honored me by asking me to choose Luther’s outfit. I chose a beautiful black Versace tuxedo with splashes of crystals on the lapels.
Their talented team made Luther Vandross look like a superstar for his eternal rest, and this image still brings me comfort and joy.
Founded in 1898 by Frank E. Campbell, the funeral home’s star-studded history dates back to the frenzy surrounding actor Rudolph Valentino’s funeral in 1926.
More than 30,000 fans came to pay their respects after his sudden death from a ruptured ulcer at the age of 31.