David H. Champoux

David H. Champoux, age 68, of Bluffton, SC and formerly from the Mohawk Valley in Upstate, NY passed away peacefully with his family by his side in Hilton Head Hospital . David was born November 7, 1948 in Syracuse, NY, the son of the late Homer David and Jacqueline Champoux. He was a graduate of St. John Fisher College in Rochester, NY and went on to earn his Master’s Degree from Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. He started the Radio-Television Broadcasting program at Herkimer County Community College in 1972, shepherded it through its first thirty years and continues to be an influence on those colleagues who carry on in his path. Mr C, as he was known by his students, was an outstanding teacher, mentor and educator whose lessons went beyond the classroom . In 1976 he received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. In 1994 he received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service. He Retired as Dean of Academic Affairs in 2003 and was later awarded Dean Emeritus status. Recently he was awarded the Torchbearer Award which recognizes those who have given of themselves through their vision and commitment to light the way for future generations. Since moving to Bluffton in 2004, David enjoyed gathering with his friends and family on and off the links, actively participating in his community and volunteering in the Media Center at the Heritage Classic Golf Tournament. David is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Maureen (Mo) Champoux; sons, John David Champoux and Michael Patrick Champoux (wife Lois): siblings, Jacqueline Champoux O’Neil, Larry Champoux (Rick Millard), and Lauri Champoux Bilak; grandchildren, Zachary, Jacob, and Kallista Champoux; in-law siblings: Patrick (Jennifer) Brophy, Sheila (Dick) Deuel, Anne Slack, Mollie (Tom) Lotrecchiano and Neil (Jeanne) Brophy; also, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and dog Babe. The family will be receiving friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Thursday, March 2, 2017 at Sauls Funeral Home, 90 Simmonsville Road, Bluffton, SC 29910. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Friday, March 3, 2017 at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, 31 St. Gregory Drive, Bluffton, SC 29909. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the American Cancer Society.