William J. Champion

Waltham – Mr. William J. 'Bill' Champion, of Waltham, died Sunday, June 24, 2018 in Saint Elizabeth's Medical Center in Brighton. He was 76.

Bill was born in Waltham on November 7, 1941, a son of the late Robert C. and Catherine A. "Kay" (Walsh) Champion, and was a lifelong resident. He was a graduate of Waltham High School and the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy in Boston.

Until his retirement Bill worked as a pharmacist at Inman Pharmacy in Cambridge. Before that he was the pharmacy director at Metropolitan State Hospital in Waltham. Bill's career began at Rogers Pharmacy on Main Street where many of his customers became lifelong friends.

In retirement and before, he and his wife, Gloria, delighted in the company of their grandchildren and looked forward to all of their events. The couple also enjoyed trips to Twin Rivers and summer vacations in York, Maine. Bill was a life member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge No. 953 in Waltham.

In addition to his wife, Gloria J. (Scott) Champion, he leaves his children, Jennifer M. Fitzgerald (Frank) of Waltham, Bruce F. Thibault (Kathryn) of Hudson New Hampshire, Julie A. Champion, William R. Champion (Christine) and Andrew S. Champion (Stephanie), all of Waltham; his grandchildren, Anne Marie Reynolds (Andrew), Allison Fitzgerald (Andrew Spalding), April Fitzgerald, Suzanne Thibault, Michael Thibault (Emily), David Thibault, Sabryna Champion Lepore, William Champion and Charlotte Champion; his great-grandchildren, Taryn Thibault, Aiden Spalding and Daisy Reynolds; his sister, Catherine A. Champion (Joseph Janas) of Dedham and many nieces and nephews.

Bill was also the brother of the late Robert C. Champion, Jr. (Ret. Capt. USMC).

Family and friends will honor and remember Bill's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Thursday, June 28th from 4 to 8 p.m. and again at 9 a.m. on Friday morning before leaving in procession to Sacred Heart Church, 311 River Street, Waltham, where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Mount Feake Cemetery, Waltham.