Father Champion Lally, O.F.M.

Father Champion Lally, O.F.M., who served in Japan for 50 years, died Nov. 11 at Holy Name Friary in Ringwood, N.J. He was 81. He served in Japan from 1963 to 2005, teaching moral theology at St. Anthony Seminary in Tokyo, assisting at parishes in Fujioka and Omana and serving at the Franciscan Chapel Center in Tokyo, where he was vicar and superior. He also served in Japan from 1955 to 1961. He served at St. Francis of Assisi parish, Manhattan, in 1954. Born in South Orange, N.J., he entered the Franciscans Holy Name Province in 1947 and professed final vows in 1952. He was ordained in 1953. He is survived by a sister, Irene Koch, and two brothers, William and Michael. A Funeral Mass was offered in the Cortona Chapel of Holy Name Friary in Ringwood, N.J., with burial in Japan.