James L. "Champ" Burgo, 71, of New Bedford died Sunday April 8, 2012 at home surrounded by his family. He was the husband of Elaine Y. (Michaud) Burgo.
Born in New Bedford, the son of the late James F. Burgo and Elsie P. (Pires) Cabral, he lived in New Bedford for most of his life.
Mr. Burgo was formerly employed as custodian for the New Bedford Public School Department until his retirement.
He proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He was a member of the Freetown Memorial Post 6643 Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Vietnam Veterans Association, Chapter 499.
Survivors include his wife; two aunts, Eva Pires and Dorothy Martinez; his mother-in-law, Claire C. Michaud; his sister-in-law Claire L. Van Cour, and her husband Dennis; his nephew and Godson, Chad Van Cour and his wife Jessica; his Goddaughter, Jessica Pittsley; and his dog "Little Man" Whispaz.
He was the brother of the late Phyllis Leger.
His Committal Service with military honors will be held on Friday at 10 AM at St. John's Cemetery, Holy Family Section. Visiting hours are omitted. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Community Nurse and Hospice Care, P.O. Box 751, Fairhaven, MA 02719. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.