Gerald Campion

" Gerald H. Campion, 78, of Pine Valley Plantation, died Saturday at his home after a three year battle with cancer, surrounded by his loving family. Gerald was born in Springfield, August 20, 1924 and lived in Wilbraham for 22 years before relocating to Belchertown in 1984. Gerald proudly served his country during World War II, enlisiting in the Navy four days after his 18th birthday. He served in the American and Pacific Theaters and also in the Philippines. In 1948 he married the former Elizabeth Quirk and together they raised 6 children. Gerald was involved in the American Legion Post in Indian Orchard and the VFW Post in Belchertown. During his working career, he was the lead foreman at the former Uniroyal Corp. in Chicopee Falls for 23 years, retiring in 1980. Gerald enjoyed his family, his church life at St. Francis of Assisi in Belchertown, and his retirement life at Pine Valley Planatation. His time and talents were rewarded in 1992 as he received the Shareholder of the Year Award from Pine Valley Plantation recognizing his generous spirit. Besides his wife of 54 years, he leaves his three sons and three daughters, of which he was so proud, including Christine and her husband, Michael Hurst of Belchertown, Marilyn and her husband, Wayne Thompson of Westfield, Theresa and her husband Al Roy of Wilbraham, Kevin J. and his wife Judy (Bilideau) Campion of Wilbraham, and Paul J. and his wife Margaret (Kysor) Campion of Naperville, IL, and Gerald S. of Chicopee. He was predeceased by Gerald's wife, Patricia (Martin) Campion in 1991. Gerald also leaves 15 grandchildren and a great granddaughter by which he was lovingly referred to as ''Poppop''. Funeral services will be Wed. at 8:15 a.m. from the Beers & Story Belchertown Funeral Home, followed by a mass at 9:00 a.m. in St. Francis Church. A military committal service will follow in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Chicopee. Calling hours are Tuesday from 2:00 - 4:00 & 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to either St. Francis Church Building Fund, 10 Park St, Belchertown, 01007, or to Mary Lane VNA, 85 South St., Ware, 01082. "