NORTH ANDOVER — Donald L. Champion, of North Andover, formerly of Lynn and East Millinocket, Maine, passed away April 9, at the age of 84.
Beloved husband of Joyce, father of Robin and Gregg, grandfather of Sterling, Cole, Jake, Alexa and Olivia, father-in-law of Laura.
He was born in East Millinocket, Maine, the second son of Frank and Blanche Champion moved to Lynn, where he was an Essex County All-Star at Lynn Classical High School in football, basketball and baseball. “Champ” was a classmate and teammate of Harry and Demo Agganis.
Veteran of the Air Force while serving his country in the Korean War, he played football for the Itazuke Green Wave AFB in Japan, starting at tight end. The star-studded lineup featured several major division 1 player’s. His stellar play at both Classical and in Japan attracted the attention of University of South Carolina coach and former Notre Dame Star Rex Enright. He entered USC after his honorable discharge from the Air Force and played for the Gamecocks from 1955-1957.
Upon returning home to Massachusetts, he was hired by Swank, Inc., where he was an award winning sales executive for over 50 years, finally retiring at the age of 82.
He met his wife of 55 years, Joyce Van Keuren, formerly of New Jersey, while skiing at Mt. Snow, in Vermont, on New Year’s Eve. The couple lived briefly in Lynn before building their home of 48 years in North Andover in 1968.
Champ enjoyed playing tennis and golf and loved to work in his yard and tend to his many bird feeders.
He also loved watching all of his grandchildren participate in several sports and other activities. His granddaughter, Sterling Champion, was a standout member of the Tufts University women’s lacrosse team while his grandson, Cole Champion, played football at Yale, where he was a three-time All Ivy League selection and the 2015 captain. Grandson, Jake, is an avid hunter and fisherman while granddaughters Alexa and Olivia will both be attending College in the fall.
Champ also enjoyed spending time with his friends at VFW Post 2104 in North Andover, where he was an active volunteer.
Service information: Visiting hours will be held at the Conte Funeral Home, 17 Third St., North Andover, from 4-7 p.m., on Friday, April 15. His funeral service will be celebrated at the Trinitarian Congregational Church, 72 Elm St., North Andover, on Saturday, April 16, at 11 a.m., followed by his burial at Ridgewood Cemetery in North Andover. For funeral home directions or to sign the family guest book, please visit Contefuneralhomes.com
