In Memory of

John

Nicholas

Champa

Obituary for John Nicholas Champa

John Nicholas Champa, 89, beloved husband of the late Yuriko (Judy) Ibi, resided in Cromwell, CT for 42 years, before moving two years ago to “The Residence at Brookside” in Avon, CT, where he passed away at peace with God on Friday, January 20, 2023.

John was born on April 19, 1933, in Hartford, the only son of the late Rose (Martocchio) and Nicholas Champa. He attended and graduated from St. Peter's Grammar School and Hartford Public High (class of 1951). After graduating, he joined the Navy and served for 4 years, from 1951-1955. During that time, he studied at Bainbridge Island in the state of Washington to become a Communication Technician. Then, during the Korean War, he was stationed at the National Security Agency in Washington D.C. as a 3rd Class Petty Officer with high security clearance. After serving his country, and prior to retirement, John worked at Pratt & Whitney for 34 years; his position was that of an Instrument Technician. Once retired, he enjoyed golfing and bowling with his wife, Judy, until her illness proved him to be a compassionate, at home, caregiver. After her death in 2011, John became a very active member of the Cromwell Senior Center where, with his outgoing personality, he made many friends while enjoying games of pool, cards, and casino visits. In 2021, he decided to sell his Cromwell home, and move to "The Residence at Brookside" in Avon to be closer to his Family. Once there, he acclimated quickly, and easily became involved in community life, making many new friends with both the residents and staff.

John was a loving brother and uncle. He is survived by two sisters, Vini, and her husband, Richard Coe of Tiburon, CA and Rosann, and her husband, Philip DiMartino, of Simsbury CT. In addition, he leaves three nephews, Steven Montano, and his wife, Julie, of NY; Austin Coe, and his wife, Eileen; W Brendon Coe, and his significant other, Heather Burlison; two grand-nieces; three grand-nephews, all of CA. Three members of the Montano family... a sister, Teresa, brother-in-law, Robert, and niece, Elaine, all pre-deceased him.

John's family would also like to thank all at "The Residence at Brookside" who treated John more like a friend than merely a resident; as well as the care givers from Brookside, Hospice, and Visiting Angels, who provided him with excellent care during his final days.

A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Saturday, July 15th at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 265 Stratton Brook Rd, West Simsbury, CT, followed by interment at Mount Saint Benedict's Cemetery in Bloomfield, CT. In lieu of flowers, if you wish to donate in John's name, please consider his favorite charity, Saint Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. The Vincent Funeral Home of Simsbury is caring for the arrangements.