Mr. Reginald "Reggie" Champagne

Mr. Reginald “Reggie” Champagne, age 49, was called home on Wednesday, May 25, 2016 as he passed away at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center. Born on August 6, 1966, in the Bronx, he was the son of Julia Champagne-Pulley. He was raised by his mother and his step-dad, George Washington Pulley who preceded him in death. Reggie was raised in the Bronx, in Castle Hill Projects, where he attended JHS 125 and Adali E. Stevenson High School. Reggie was very personable and had childhood friends that were like brothers that he has known for over 40 plus years, including Otis Williams, Tracy Ford, “Blush” Lorenzo, and Tyrone Williams. His nickname in the Bronx was “Hop” because he had that swag in his walk. Reggie left the city life and relocated to Utica NY in 1991 where he met his soul mate, Juanita Monroe in October 1991. In their union, Reggie and Juanita had a daughter, Dontiea Champagne. On May 22, 2010 Juanita and Reggie married and shared 26 great years together. He always put Juanita first in his heart and mind. Anyone who knew them, knew they both called each other, “Boo”. Reggie had that signature walk that could be seen from miles away. He had his signature bucket hat that he always wore. He was larger-than-life and loved by many. His magnetic personality was memorable, his humor and jokes were impressive, his booming voice was powerful and loud, his laugh was thunderous. Reggie was exceedingly generous and kind to those in need, and he was truly a special man. He always put family first; and being blessed with grandchildren was a miracle for Reggie. It brought him to another level of family life. He had a strong spiritual faith and he prayed to God often. Reggie is survived by his wife, Juanita Monroe-Champagne; his mother, Julia Champagne-Pulley; his children Dontiea Champagne, (Clevins), Reggie (Lil Reggie) Champagne Jr. of Pennsylvania, Shadai Champagne of Kingston, NY, Monique Monroe (Troy) of Buffalo, NY, Jamar Monroe (Ester) of Utica, NY, and his dog Dolce Champagne. He leaves behind (3) grandchildren Giselle Skylar Jean-Jacques, Jahzare Watkins and, Torri Griffin, (2) sisters, Deidre Collins and Tarshia Champagne, from New York City and his sister Priscilla Champagne, who proceeded him in death, (9) nieces and (7) nephews from the Champagne/Monroe and Blair family and a special nephew to whom he help raise, Jamel Champagne. (2) mother in-laws Dorothy Blair and Lorine Monroe, and a host of aunts, uncles, brother in laws (Gerald L. Monroe, Gregg Blair and Tyrone Monroe) and sister in laws (Sabrina Saunders–Williams, Tawana Bryant–Mosley, Sheila Washington, Nicole Blair and Sherkira Russell) from the Champagne, Monroe, and Blair families. The family extends sincere appreciation to the staff of the St. Elizabeth Medical Center Intensive Care Unit for their vigilance and care, especially acknowledging Nurses Heather Renwick and Jeff Usher who went above and beyond. Visitation will be held Friday from 3:00-5:00 at Believers Miracle Deliverance Ministries, 207 Eagle Street in Utica. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Reginald’s Home Going Celebration which will commence on Friday afternoon at 5:00 at the Church immediately upon conclusion of visitation with Rev. Grady O. Kemp officiating the ceremony. Interment will take place in Forest Hill Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Mr. Reginald "Reggie" Champagne

August 6, 1966 - May 26, 2016