Southampton, MA – Paul L. Champagne of Southampton died peacefully on December 9, 2025, at home. Paul was born in Holyoke on March 12, 1943, to the late Lucien Champagne and Corrine (Rock) Champagne of Southampton. He was a lifetime resident of Southampton. Paul attended Southampton School and graduated from Westfield Trade School. Paul served in the Army National Guard. Six years he worked as a machinist in Easthampton, then went on to start his own business, Hampshire Trucking that he sold in 1983. He went on to purchase a small vending business in 1992 with his son Greg, retiring in 2002.Most of his retirement was spent restoring antique farm equipment, most of them being John Deere. Paul loved bringing them to small-town fairs to show them. Paul was known for his polka-dot hat. He’d never leave home without it.
Paul is survived by his two sons, Paul D. Champagne and his partner Maureen Collins, and Greg Champagne and his wife Jackie, all of Southampton; grandchildren Douglas Champagne, Jacob Champagne and his wife Sarah, John Gambl, Denise Carver; and two great-grandchildren, Lilliana Mitchell and Delilah Carver.
Paul also leaves his brother Phillip Champagne and several nieces and nephews, and a longtime friend, Donna Boileau and beloved cat Oscar. Paul was predeceased by his brother Raymond Champagne and one grandchild, Rose Champagne.
A graveside service will be held at Center Cemetery in Southampton in the spring, with a celebration of life to follow. Dates will be announced after arrangements have been made.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in his honor to:
Westfield Homeless Cat Project
1124 East Mountain Rd.
Westfield, MA 01085
Click here to sign the guest book or honor their memory with flowers, donations, or other heartfelt tributes