Ernest J. Champagne, 91, of Blackstone formerly of Woonsocket, died November 21 in the Maples Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Wrentham. He was the husband of the late Cecile (Lefebvre) Champagne for 54 years until her death in 2000.
Born in St. Norbert, Canada on May 26, 1921, the son of the late Adelard and Melina (Berneche) Champagne, Mr. Champagne came to Woonsocket in 1925 where he lived until moving to Blackstone in 1992.
Mr. Champagne had been the chief warehouse supervisor for Owens Corning Fiberglass for several years before retiring.
He had previously worked for many years as a shear tender at the Lippitt Worsted Mills in Woonsocket.
Mr. Champagne proudly served in the Marine Corps during World War II. He was stationed in the South Pacific and attained the rank of Sergeant.
He is survived by his children, Paul Champagne of Pennsylvania, Connie Brunelli of Franklin, Jean Uttero Florida, Marc Champagne of Michigan and Michele Dube of Connecticut.
He is also survived by five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Mr. Champagne was the brother of the late Gerard “Jake” Champagne.
His funeral will be held on Monday, November 26 from the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin 131 Main Street in Franklin at 9:00 followed by a funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Church at 10:00.
Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery, Cumberland.
In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy may be made in his memory to Toys for Tots, The Cooper Center, 18251 Quantico Gateway Drive, Triangle, VA 22172.