Obituary of Gerard J. Champagne

Gerard J. Champagne “Loving Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather” Olean—Gerard J. Champagne of 437 Indiana Ave, passed away Monday (March 17, 2008) at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Born March 16, 1924 in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, he was the son of Donat and Yvonne Bergeron Champagne. In 1978 in Bradford Pa., he married Loretta A. Sherrick Bouquin, who survives. Mr. Champagne graduated from Woonsocket High School. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1945. After being discharged from the Navy he went to work for and retired from Western Electric, later Lucent Technologies, where he was a source inspector. Mr. Champagne moved to Olean in 1973. He was a member of the Olean Assembly Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed fishing, hunting with his boys, gardening and coaching little league. He was a good father and wonderful grandfather who was very involved in their lives. Surviving besides his wife are 7 children Christine A. (Tom) Bredwell of Tucson AZ, Donald James (Anne) Bouquin of Bradford, Pa, Beth L. Bouquin of Naples, FL, Cheryl A. Siebers of Austin, TX, George C. (Sarah) Bouquin of Monahans, TX, Linda (Vincent) Sabellico of Rocky Hill, CT, Gordon J. (Cheryl) Champagne of Middlebury IN.; 9 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren and his first wife, the former Lucille !LeDoux. He was predeceased by 2 sons Charles Andre Champagne, Gregory John Champagne and 2 brothers Ernest Champagne and Donat E. Champagne. Friends will be received at Casey, Halwig and Hartle Funeral Home 3128 W. State Road on Wednesday from 6-9pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday (March 24, 2008) at 11am at St. Mary of the Angels church. Burial will be in Mt. View Cemetery Veterans Field of Honor. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to St. Mary of the Angels Church attention Bereavement Committee, The American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.