Ronald A. Champeau 74, of Indian Run Rd. died Thursday at home surrounded by his family and loved ones. He was the beloved husband of the late Claire (Beauregard) Champeau. Mr. Champeau was born in Putnum Ct. a son of the late Ronald D. and Irene (Levesque) Champeau.
Ronald was a graduate of Woonsocket High School. He served in the National Guard of RI and was honorably discharged as a Specialist Second Class, Company B 118th Engineer Battalion from the Army of the United States in March of 1962. Ronald spent his 50 year career as a drilling and blasting engineer for several New England construction companies, including fifteen years with Explosive Engineering Corp. were he was instrumental in the blasting of many major highways in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Connecticut as well as the Seabrook Power Plant and Shaffer Stadium. He was a 50 year card –holding member of the Laborers International Union of North America. Ronald was highly respected and considered one of the industries best problem solvers. He was an active member of the Woonsocket Elks Lodge # 850. He enjoyed collecting blasting and mining memorabilia, woodworking, and listening to music.
He is survived by three daughters Susan Fontaine and Kathy Parenteau both of Bellingham, and Debra Kerivan of Mendon, two sons Steve Champeau of Blackstone, and Robert Champeau of Bellingham, a brother Alfred Champeau of Medway, two sisters Grace Desilet of Port Charlotte, FL, and Angel LeBlanc of Leesburg, FL, seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He was also the brother of the late Vivian Berard.
His funeral will be held Monday at 9:00 AM from the Fournier & Fournier Funeral Home, 99 Cumberland St. Woonsocket, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM, in St. Theresa’s Church, Rathbun St. Blackstone, MA.
Burial will be held in Precious Blood Cemetery in Woonsocket. Visiting hours are Sunday 2-4 and 6-8 PM.