Gilbert P. Champagne, 73, of Rochester, died March 20, 2013 at home after a long illness.
He was the husband of Jane M. (Doran) Champagne.
Born and raised in New Bedford, the son of the late Antonio and Henrietta (Lemaire) Champagne, he lived in Rochester since 1973.
He was a communicant of St. John Neumann Church, East Freetown.
Mr. Champagne was formerly employed by Verizon for many years until his retirement. He was a member and past president of I.B.E.W. Local# 2322 and a member of the Telephone Pioneers.
He served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War.
Survivors include his wife; a son, Mark D. Champagne and his wife Kelly McLaughlin of South Royalton, VT; a daughter, Nicole J. Champagne and her spouse Daryl Isles of Woburn; 2 brothers, Paul Champagne of Rochester and Charles Champagne of Randolph; a sister, Marcia Champagne of Rochester; and 3 grandchildren, Anshel, Cecelia and Andrew.
He was the father of the late Christopher Champagne.
Funeral from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford Friday, March 22nd at 7:45 AM. Funeral Mass at St. John Neumann Church at 9 AM. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Thursday, March 21st from 4-8. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Southcoast Hospice, 200 Mill Rd., Fairhaven, MA 02719.