Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Raymond Champagne Obituary
Born in Norwich, Conn., he was the son of the late Raymond W. and Rita Tetreault Champagne. Ray graduated high school from Norwich Free Academy. Following graduation, Ray went on to further his education at Providence College, Providence, R.I., where he received his bachelor's in education, his master's degree from Duke University, Durham, N.C., and his Doctor of Philosophy Degree from Loyola University, Chicago, Ill., in 1973.
In 2008, Ray retired from the University of Scranton, where he was a professor of history for 41 years. A devout and prayerful Catholic, Ray was a parishioner of St. Ann's Basilica, where he volunteered annually for the Novena to St. Ann. A lover of dogs, Ray served as president of the Board for Tracey's Hope and Hospice, Duryea, and was an advocate for Best Friends Animal Society, Kanab, Utah. He was an avid longtime fan of both the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots. Ray was a loving and devoted husband and father, who enjoyed fishing and traveling with his son, Bob.
In addition to wife, he is survived by a son, Robert R. Champagne and wife, Joan, Taylor.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral on Saturday, Nov. 19, beginning at 8:45 a.m. in the Semian Funeral Home, 704 Union St., Taylor, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 in St. Ann's Basilica, 1250 St. Ann's St., Scranton. Interment will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, Old Forge.
Family and friends may call Friday, Nov. 18, from 4 to 7 p.m and on Saturday from 8 to 8:45 a.m. at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Ann's Basilica, 1250 St. Ann's St., Scranton, PA 18504.
Visit www.semiancares.com to share memories or extend condolences.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Raymond Champagne
Rich Smith
November 19, 2016
RIP Dr. Raymond W. Champagne. In many respects it is your kindness and patience that has allowed me to pursue my PhD in American History. You demonstrated that teaching is so much more than just being able to marshal a series of facts and have students learn them. You illustrated that being a historian is much more than just publishing books and articles. It s about teaching students and getting them enthusiastically interested in history. Moreover, you also taught me that having empathy for students and making them feel welcome is an extraordinarily important aspect of this profession. For that I am eternally grateful. Take care sir, for you will most assuredly be missed.
My thoughts and prayers to you family in this time of sorrow.
Joe Bartoletti
November 19, 2016
Dr. Champagne was such a fantastic teacher and person. He contributed so much to my teaching of history to middle and high school students. I am so sorry for your loss.
Donato Rinaldi
November 19, 2016
An amazing man, teacher, and coworker. He never ceased to amaze me. God Bless you and your entire family.
Ron Sinzdak
November 18, 2016
My sincerest condolences to Cecile and Bobby on the loss of your husband and father. Ray was one of my closest friends on the faculty and despite the difference in our academic interests, Math and History, we found a common denominator in our love of sports. I remember fondly the numerous conversations we had on the relative merits of my beloved Tigers and his ultra beloved Red Sox. On a number of occasions, when I was having a bad day at work, I would drop by Ray's office where the door was always open and the stimulating conversation was the balm I needed. Thank you so much, my friend, and rest easy for you have certainly earned it.
rick peuser
November 18, 2016
My heart is broken. Dr. Champagne is the reason I am in the profession. I loved him dearly. Cecile my prayers to you and Bobby.
joe haggerty
November 18, 2016
I am so sorry for your loss. One of the nicest individuals I have ever known. Fondly remember his classes and was truly lucky to have been a student of his. My best to his family.
thomas brown
November 18, 2016
A fine teacher and a fine man. My condolences to his family.
Charmaine Evans
November 17, 2016
So sorry to read of your husband's passing! I will be keeping you in my thoughts & prayers at this difficult time. Remembering you from Nesbitt Hospital with your students & our mutual interest in genealogic research.
Joe O'Hara
November 17, 2016
Dr. Champagne was my favorite teacher in my entire life. His lectures were simply outstanding. Fantastic orator, and a great sense of humor. I cannot forget when he walked into the classroom on autumn afternoon and stated "History is fundamentally about good versus evil. That is what we shall live through today. The good, the Red Sox, against the Yankees. It is on TV in 20 minutes. Class dismissed." Bucky Dent's homer almost did him in. Phenomenal man. My best wishes to his family and loved ones.
Joe Bryer
November 17, 2016
I did not know Raymond, but since he was the husband of Ceil, he had to be a wonderful man. My sadness is shared by my fellow genealogists at the Genealogical Research Society.
Joe Bryer
Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results
Make a Donation
in Raymond Champagne's name
Memorial Events
for Raymond Champagne
How to support Raymond's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Raymond Champagne's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
