Gerald F. Champigny

Gerald F. Champigny of Sandwich, Mass., a retired police officer with the Washington D.C. Police Department, entered into rest on Saturday, March 16, 2013. He was 79.

The son of Alcide and Dolores Pontbriand Champigny, he was born Sept. 18, 1933, in Pawtucket, R.I.

Upon retirement from the Washington D.C. Police Department, he became a self-employed contractor and later an employee of the Steamship Authority in Martha’s Vineyard, Mass.

As a loving father, spouse and friend to many, he enjoyed fishing, woodworking and gardening. He will be greatly missed and will remain in our hearts forever.

He is survived by his four children; Brian G. Champigny of Suffolk, Va., Donna C. Bush of Beallsville, Md., Karen A. Champigny of Bernardsville, N.J.. and Christopher J. Champigny of Woodstown, N.J.; eight grandchildren; brother Donald Champigny and sister Stella Dery. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife Eleanore Wanczyk Champigny.

Visitation will be held Friday, March 22, from 9 to 11 a.m. at T.S. Purta Funeral Home, 22 Glenmere Ave., Florida.

A funeral Mass will follow at 11 a.m. in St. Joseph Church, 14 Glenmere Ave., Florida.

Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph’s Church, 14 Glenmere Ave., Florida, NY 10921.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the T.S. Purta Funeral Home. To send a condolence online or for directions, please go to www.purtafuneralhome.com.