Anthony E. Champa

Providence teacher and WWII Veteran, age 91, died peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, July 15th in Johnston, RI.

Born September 16, 1926, in Providence, he was the only child of Domenic Champa and Antonia Falino.

Upon graduating from Mount Pleasant High School in 1944, he enlisted in the Navy and served on the U.S.S. Hydrus AKA 28 in the Pacific, attaining the rank of Gunner’s Mate second class and participating in the invasion of Okinawa in 1945.

Champa attended Arnold College in Milford, CT, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in June 1952.

He served as a special agent in the F.B.I. in the Carolinas and Buffalo, NY, resigning in 1956 to pursue a teaching career with the Providence school system.  He taught science at Esek Hopkins and Nathanael Greene, retiring after 33 years of service. He attributed his appointment as Providence Teacher of the Year in 1985 to the many capable administrators he worked with, and to his love of teaching.

He was an active member of the Barbershop Harmony Society, and, following retirement, traveled extensively with his companion of more than 25 years, Jean Tierney, and lived in West Palm Beach and Hobe Sound, Florida, before returning to RI.

He is survived by his daughters Cara Forgione of Easton, CT, Paula Champa of Providence, RI, Jennifer Champa Bybee of Fayetteville, NY; their mother Carolyn Eastberg of Narragansett, RI; five grandchildren; and Jean Tierney of Stuart, FL.

A private service in celebration of his life will be held at the chapel at St. Ann’s Cemetery, 73 Church St., Cranston.

In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to The Barbershop Harmony Society, 110 Seventh Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37023.

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