ROBERT L. CHAMPAGNE Jr.

ROBERT CHAMPAGNE JR. Clinton - Robert L. Champagne Jr., 89, passed peacefully on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Oakdale Rehab and Nursing Center. He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Joan (Lemire) Champagne; their five children and spouses, Debra Goodsell and Michael , Robert Champagne and Jodi, Steven Champagne and Lisa, Richard Champagne and Susan, and Joanie Lamb and Jeff; 13 adoring grandchildren, Heather, Michael, Kyle, David, Derek, Bobby, Danny, Matt, Emily, Amanda, Danielle, Samantha, and Elisabeth; nine great-grandchildren; generations of nieces and nephews; and many great friends. He is predeceased by his brother John Champagne. Son of the late Robert L. Champagne Sr. and Gertrude (Pelkey) Champagne, Bob was born in Keene, N.H. After his mother passed when he was young, Bob and his brother were raised by his beloved aunt and uncle, the late Joseph and Margaret Long in Bath, Maine. He graduated from Morse High School and attended and studied at Burdett College and Clark University, graduating with his Associates Degree in Accounting. A proud patriot and veteran, Bob served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War era and was honorably discharged as a Disbursing Clerk Petty Officer Second Class. He returned home safely and began his career as an accountant for Norton Company, Heinz, and later retired from Worcester County Sheriff's Office. Blessed with common sense and a compassionate heart, Bob served his community in many ways, notably as a Selectman, member of the Charter Commission for the Town of Clinton, and as a minor league baseball coach. A man of great faith and lifelong member of St. John the Guardian of Our Lady Parish, Bob was a longtime CCD teacher, and served as a member of St. Vincent de Paul Society, receiving the Top Hat Award for his many years of service. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Bob was happiest in the company of family and friends and will be forever remembered. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 10 a.m. on Wednesday May 21, 2025, at St. John the Evangelist Church, 80 Union St, Clinton, with burial following in St. John's Cemetery, Lancaster. Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Philbin-Comeau Funeral Home, 176 Water St., Clinton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob's memory to St. Vincent de Paul Society, 80 Union St., Clinton, MA 01510 or United States Naval Shipbuilding Museum, PO Box 165, Quincy, MA 02170. Online condolences may be placed at www.philbincomeaufh.com.