Andrew T. Champion Jr., 72, of 177 Sheridan St. died Wednesday evening, April 7, 2004 in his residence following a lengthy illness. He was born in Boston MA on August 18, 1931, the son of Andrew T. and Dora (Cantara) Champion Sr. His early years were spent in many places as the son of a U.S. Navy sailor until finally residing in Franklin NH where he was graduated from Franklin High school in 1950.
After years of employment as a machinist at the former Belknap-Sulloway Mills, he was employed as a supervisor at the Jackson Michigan State Prison for 15 years and resided in Eaton Rapids Michigan. Following his retirement in October 1987, he returned to the area and has made his home in Lakeport since that time. He has been employed at Baron’s Billiards.
A motorcycle enthusiast, he excelled as a racer in his younger years. Andrew was an accomplished pool player and remained active in national Senior Pool Tournaments. He was a devoted fan of the Boston Red Sox and enjoyed frequent trips to Foxwoods and Las Vegas with his wife Mary. He also pursued stamp and coin collecting.
Family members include his wife of 41 years, Mary (Rollins) Champion of Lakeport; three daughters, Mrs. Morris (Priscilla) Dodge of Franklin, Joyce Lewandowski of Manchester CT and Lori Champion of Lakeport; three sons, James Champion of Lakeport, John Champion and his wife Michelle of Lakeport and Michael Champion and his wife Marie of Laconia; 13 grandchildren; two great grandchildren; a brother, Richard Fedion of North Conway; several nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by two daughters, Susan Champion in 1957 and Linda Beaupre in 1995.
Calling hours were in the Simoneau & Lambert Funeral Home, 139 Church St., Laconia on Sunday from 6 to 8 PM. A funeral ceremony was held in the Funeral Home on Monday at 10 AM. Rev. Carolyn Stevenson, Spiritual Care Coordinator of Community Health & Hospice officiated. Burial followed in Franklin Cemetery.