Priest, author "Father Joe" dies in Syracuse
Douglass Dowty
January 17, 2008

A 10-year rector of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception known for his compassion, prolific writing and battle against bone marrow cancer died tonight, a spokeswoman for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse said.

Monsignor Joseph Champlin, 77, retired from the cathedral and, in 2006, became priest in residence at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Warners.

He died about 7 p.m. at University Hospital, after a long hospitalization, spokeswoman Danielle Cummings said.

"Here in Syracuse, he is most remembered as Father Joe -- our spiritual leader and friend," Cummings said. the rest image

Raymond and I had met Fr. Champlin several times over the years (Raymond more than I) and we used one of his many books as part of our premarital counseling. He was truly a living saint of God. Please read the comments at the end of the article and you will be amazed to see how his life blessed so many people. -Pat Dague

Updated 1/19/08
Father Champlin made kids' dreams a reality

Champlin helped