Lee Edward Campion, 99, of Cicero, NY, passed away peacefully at Loretto Nursing Home on Monday, September 30, 2024 surrounded by family. Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on July 9, 1925 to the late Leslie M. and Camille M. Campion, Lee led a vibrant life focused on life-long learning, teaching, proud service to his country and dedication to his church and community.

Lee graduated from South Division High School in Milwaukee, WI and received his BA from the University of Wisconsin. Lee joined the US Army Air Corps and served as a Bombardier/Radar Observer during WW II, until his honorable discharge in 1945. Lee then returned to the University of Wisconsin to complete his master's degree.

Lee had a long career in the education field including teaching at the high school and college levels eventually retiring as a substitute teacher in the Liverpool School District in 2005 at the age of 80. In addition to his teaching, Lee also worked for Encyclopedia Britannica focusing on education films and audio-visual programs. Lee came to NY to work for the Education Department and helped to establish the state's Educational TV system. Lee also spent several years in Djakarta, Indonesia with the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) focusing on an audio-visual program to train teachers how to educate the masses in Indonesia.

Lee was also a past president of the National Education Association (NEA), Department of Audio-Visual Integrators (DAVI) and the Bombardier Alumni Association.  Lee also served as president of the Men's Fellowship at the United Church of Christ Bayberry and as the Church Moderator.  Lee also volunteered at St. Joseph's Hospital. Lee was also known for his humorous nature (corny jokes) which often earned groans from his audience, his dedication to his family and his Christian beliefs and church.

Lee was predeceased by his parents, Leslie M. and Camille M. (Rasmussen) Campion, two brothers and a sister-in-law; Robert (Eleanor) Campion and Donald Campion, granddaughter, Christine Campion and his first wife and mother to his four children, Katheleen E. Campion.

Lee is survived by his wife of 43 years, Roberta Z. Campion of Cicero, NY, his children, Michael (Susan) Campion of Waterville, NY, Lizabeth (Robert) Metsch of Ellington, CT, Robert (Lorraine) Campion, of Hyannis, MA and Peter Campion of LaFeria, TX.  His four stepdaughters; Deborah (Lester) DiBartolomeo of Wyoming, MI, Melinda Judge of Central Square, NY, Laura Zellers and Marc Enzien of Baldwinsville, NY and Pamela (Tony) Nicoletti of E. Syracuse, NY.

Lee is also survived by 15 grandchildren, including: Michael (Anastasia) Staskowski of New Hartford, NY, Lisa (Ryan) Ferrucci of Oriskany Falls, NY, Zachary Campion of Utica, NY, Matthew and Luke Campion of Waterville, NY, Amanda Muller of Houston, TX, Christian Metsch of Ellington, CT, Courtney (Tim) Sweeton of Portland, ME, Nicole (Jason) Ochrock of Moorestown, NJ, Carolyn Campion of Hyannis, MA, Thomas Preville of Camillus, NY, Marc Preville and friend Nona of Norwich, NY, Rob (Danielle) Preville of N. Syracuse, NY, Stacy Zirilli of Minoa, NY and Amber Judge of NY.

Lee is also survived by 15 great-grandchildren, including: Owen and Theo Ochrock of Moorestown, NJ, Conner Staskowski of New Hartford, NY, Cassidy Ferrucci of Waterville, NY, Mason and Owen Ferrucci of Burlington Flats, NY, Carter and Nora Ferrucci of Oriskany Falls, NY, Elizabeth (Charles) Carlino of Tonawanda, NY, Natalee Judge of NY, Rylee Smith of NY, Nicholas and Chase Preville of Camillus, NY, Robby and Shea Preville of N. Syracuse, NY.

A calling hour will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at the United Church of Christ Bayberry, 215 Blackberry Road, Liverpool, NY 13090, followed by a Christian Service at 11:00 am with Military Honors.

In memory of Lee, contributions may be made to the United Church of Christ Bayberry.

The family wishes to thank Ellen, Josiah, April, Jackie, Sheila, Addie and the 5th floor staff of Loretto for their care and compassion for Lee over the past several months.

Please sign the Maurer Funeral Home online guestbook for Lee to express your condolences to his family.