Ronald Jerome Champion Sr.

Ronald Jerome Champion Sr, age 74, formerly of Lodi and longtime resident of Beaver Dams, died at Strong Memorial Hospital on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, following a brief hospitalization.

The family will receive friends at Covert Funeral Home in Ovid from 3:00 to 5:00pm on Tuesday, May 28, 2024.  A Memorial Service will then follow at 5:00pm officiated by Pastor Rob Mellgard. A Celebration of Life reception will follow the service.

Ron was born in Lodi on September 10, 1949, the youngest child and only son of the late Jerome and Lillian (nee Trim) Champion.  He attended Interlaken High School and was an all-star athlete.  After starting a family, he worked as a mental health therapy aide at Willard Psychiatric Center for over 20 years and maintained the family farm. He then obtained his bachelor’s degree from SUNY Brockport, but failing health forced his early retirement. Ron had a thirst for knowledge (and Dunkin coffee) as his nose was frequently in a newspaper or a book - especially the Good Book.  Ron also enjoyed music and the family band while playing the drums, guitar, and mandolin. He was an avid fan of the Baltimore Ravens, SU Orange and the NY Yankees and followed stats even when in the hospital. He also enjoyed rebuilding small engines, renovating and taking care of his home, playing euchre and bingo, and his time spent at the Moose Lodge in Montour Falls.  Ron loved being around his family, making others laugh, singing silly songs to his grandchildren and sharing stories of his past.

He is survived by his children, Julie A. (Bobby Crissinger) Champion of Watkins Glen, Ronald J. (Dani) Champion Jr. of Waterloo, Gregory M. (Melissa) Champion of Charleston, SC and Madeline M. Champion of Walworth, his grandchildren; Taylor, Ashley, Chloe, Nicolas, Kyra, Ryleigh, McKenna, Emma, Ian, Claire and his great granddaughter, Amelia; his sisters, Viola Coney, Connie (Ken) Dresser and Phyllis Champion all of Lodi and many nieces and nephews. Ron was preceded in death by his sister, Irene Williamson.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ron’s memory can be made to the Lodi Volunteer Fire Company, Box 299, Lodi, NY 14860 and the Beaver Dams Fire Department, 1165 County Route 19, PO Box 14, Beaver Dams, NY 14812.