Krystle Campbell, Killed in Marathon Blasts, Waited Tables in Acton

Friends who worked waiting tables with Krystle Campbell at ScupperJack’s in Acton a half dozen years ago call her “that bright spot” and “the definition of a true, real friend.” 

Campbell, 29, was killed in the Boston Marathon bombings on April 15 as she watched the race from the finish line. Campbell, who grew up in Medford and lived in Arlington, previously worked in Acton at ScupperJack’s restaurant, which closed in February 2011.

“The energy she projected – you don’t find that often,” said friend Carolyn. “ No matter how far apart we were, she was always there. She attended my son's baby shower, his first and second birthday parties, my dad's funeral…. She wasn't the type of friend who vanished when things got hard.” 

Campbell worked at ScupperJack’s for about six years, friends say, from 2000 to around 2007. There, Campbell made friends with Green and another server, Kristine Melanson.

For Green, the friendship began at ScupperJack’s, but grew beyond the restaurant as the women spent time together outside work, and even took vacations together to Las Vegas and Canada. Just two days before the April 15 Boston Marathon, Green, who now lives in California, spoke to Campbell by phone, and the pair talked of visiting each other soon.

“I have lots of fun, favorite memories,” Green said. “Most was just her friendship in general that stemmed from meeting at ScupperJack’s. Whenever we did something fun, the other was included.”

Green said Campbell went to the marathon “religiously” every year, and she was not surprised to hear her friend had been at the finish line. 

“She was wherever there was a main event,” Green said. “Her laugh was infectious. I'll miss her more than words can describe.”

Melanson, who also worked at ScupperJack’s with Campbell and Green said Campbell was a well-known face to anyone who came into the restaurant, and she had “regulars” who requested to sit at her tables. 

“She was always pleasant, and not just to customers, to everyone,” said Melanson. “She was such a down-to-earth person, she had such spirit.” 

Melanson said she’s grateful she had a chance to meet Campbell, whose smile lit up a room, she said.

“It’s truly such a tragedy, she was such a young, vibrant spirit that’s been taken away,” Melanson said.