Anti-Campton Hills activist dead at 46

Carmine Julian, a local business owner and community activist who fought tooth and nail against the incorporation of Campton Hills, died unexpectedly of a heart attack Wednesday while filming wildlife in downstate Pittsfield.

According to longtime family friend Anna Macri, the 46-year-old was coming down from a tree stand around 8 a.m., when he suffered a "massive heart attack, clutched his chest and, within seconds, he was gone."

Julian leaves behind a wife of 17 years, Diane, and two daughters, ages 13 and 15, Macri said.

The death came as a devastating shock to friends who were working with Julian as recently as last week on a campaign to dissolve the new village of Campton Hills, an area where Julian lived about seven years.

"We're all shocked," said Steve Burdette, who worked closely with Julian for a year. "Carmine believed in justice; he believed in fairness. He was the kind of guy you think, 'We need more of these.'"

Campton Hills Village President Patsy Smith, who butted heads often with Julian, declined to comment on his activism, but said: "From personal experience, I know how difficult it will be for his family. My heart goes out to them."

Julian owned Chicago-area Julian's Plumbing and was a plumbing contractor for about 25 years. He earned a reputation in recent years as an outspoken and adamant opponent of the village, which he feared would create higher taxes.

He wrote letters to newspapers, questioned village proponents publicly and campaigned against the incorporation.

After the village narrowly won incorporation rights in last spring's election, he and others rallied again -- this time in an attempt to dissolve the village via referendum in the upcoming Feb. 5 primary election.

"His heart was in this thing," said Macri, who was with the Julian family Wednesday night. "All he wanted was to fight for justice and get this thing back on the ballot. I hope we can do this for him."

In his personal life, Julian enjoyed racing cars, hunting and spending time with family. He was a member of Christ Community Church in St. Charles and an organ/tissue donor, friends said.

Another hobby was filming wildlife images, which had been doing for about a week in southwestern Pike County, Ill., before his death. The footage was to be used in a cable television program, Macri said.

A funeral service is planned for 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Yurs Funeral Home, 405 E. Main St., St. Charles.