Father Charles P. Davignon

Father Charles P. Davignon, 91, passed away on September 7, 2022, in Derby Line, VT. He was born on November 5, 1930, one of Leo and Nellie Mae (Pudvah) Davignon’s 9 children, in Albany, VT.

When he was still very young and living on the family farm in Brownington he went to school there and completed high school in Bloomfield, CT, and then went to two years of college. Then came two years of Philosophy studies at the Seminaire de Philosophie in Montreal, Quebec and four years of theological studies at the Grand Seminaire de Montreal. Bishop Edward F. Ryan, fifth bishop of Burlington ordained Father Davignon in 1956 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Burlington. He celebrated his first Mass at St. Theresa’s Church in Orleans. Since his ordination, Father has served as parish priest, a Catholic high school principal, a Mary Knoll Mission Associate in South America, a communications director for the Diocese, Chaplain to the Sisters of Mercy and a director of justice and peace. He earned a Masters Degree and doctorate in education from Catholic University of America in Washington D.C. Fluent in Spanish and French, Father taught English as a second language and was director of a Catholic radio and television station in the Altiplano of the Andres, 12,500 feet above sea level. Father Davignon served under six different Bishops in Vermont and has said Mass in all of the area Catholic Churches at one time or another including being priest in residence at Michaud Manor for several years after his retirement. 

He enjoyed traveling, visits back to the farm, was an avid reader, going to the family cottages on Seymour and Lake Parker and getting together with priest friends for lunch or dinner.

Father Davignon is survived by his brothers Francis, Ernest and his wife Cecile, sisters Elizabeth Denning, Lorita Hogan, Anita Cook, and Kathleen Duffy, also 22 nieces and nephews, several great nieces and nephews and his very good friend retired Bishop John Leibrecht of Springfield, MO.

He was predeceased by his brothers Raymond and Ralph.  

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday September 13, 2022, at St. Edwards Catholic Church in Derby Line where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Bishop Christopher Coyne officiating. Friends may call one hour prior to the service at 11:00 A.M. Internment will be held at St. Paul’s Cemetery in Barton alongside many members of his family at the convenience of his relatives who survive him. Online condolences may be made at curtis-britch.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Curtis-Britch & Bouffard Funeral Home & Cremation Service, locally family owned and operated.