Putnam – Gerald G. St. Jean, 85, formerly of Putnam, passed away Sunday, September 21, 2014 in Lanessa Extended Care, Webster, MA surrounded by his loving family. He was the loving husband of the late Claire (Bessette) St. Jean. Born in Worcester, MA, he was the son of the late Joseph and Evelyn (St. Godard) St. Jean.
Mr. St. Jean was a veteran of the United States Marine Corp during the Korean War Era. He worked as a typesetter for the Windham County Observer and the Putnam Patriot. He also worked for Loos & Company and Chase Graphics.
He enjoyed woodworking, sports, being outdoors and was very proud of his Indian heritage.
Gerald founded and coached the St. Mary’s Football Team for 10 years. He and his wife Claire founded Sport Light magazine, which covered local sports news. Gerald also wrote “The Saint Sez” in the Putnam Town Crier.
Gerald is survived by his son, Kevin (Nancy) St. Jean of Brooklyn, Timothy (Victoria) St. Jean of Putnam, and James (Debra) St. Jean of East Killingly; his daughter Laurie (Michael) Sevigny of Riverside, RI; his grandchildren, Sadie, Andrew, Seth, Nicholas, Jillian, Krista and Sarah; his great granddaughter Ella; his brother, Russell St. Jean of Putnam; and his sister, Anne Marie St. Jean of Putnam. He is predeceased by his brothers, the late Edmond “Tonto” and Francis “Pug” St. Jean.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Gerald’s family from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Thursday, September 25, 2014 in the Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam. A gathering will begin in the funeral home at 9:00 am on Friday, September 26, 2014 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in St. Mary Church of the Visitation, 218 Providence St, Putnam, CT. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Mary Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Day Kimball Homemakers and/or the Deary Memorial Cancer Fund, both at P.O. Box 632 Putnam, CT 06260. For memorial guestbook visit www.GilmanAndValade.com.
Dave Babbitt
To Jerry’s Family, Our sincere condolences…Always will remember working with him at the Observer….Trying to get the local sports scene covered…He and your Mom were a great pair….Dave & Peg Babbitt
Diane Moylan-Cooke
Kevin, Timmy, Jim, Laurie, and family,
Very saddened to hear of the loss of your Dad, he was a special man in so many ways. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. I am sure there is a very special warmth in your heart knowing that your Dad is now whole and living in the loving arms of his wife, and our eternal Father. God bless you all.
Sincerely,
Diane Moylan-Cooke and Family
Mary Ellen & Scott Tetreault
Our sincere condolences go out to all of the St. Jean family.
Robert Bonosconi
My condolences to family and friends of Gerald St. Jean. My prayers are for you at this difficult time.
Ryan Hargraves
Sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in each other during this difficult time. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Donna (Carlson) Stewart
On behalf of the Carlson family: Our deepest sympathy to Jerry’s family. Jerry worked with my Dad and stepmother (Bob & Karen Carlson). We have some great memories of Loos & Co. picnics & softball games at Rec park. RIP Jerry, now you are reunited with Claire. God Bless.
Judy & Paul Randall
Dear Laurie and Family:
Our deepest condolences to you and your family at this sad time. You dad is finally at rest, in the loving hands of our Holy Father and sourounded by the love of his life, your mom. Thinking of you all at this diffucult time. Hugs
With sympathy and friendship,
The Randall’s
Linda Gasiorek
To All:
We just want you to know that we’re thinking of you. We hope that your good times and memories will help get you through this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Wayne and Linda Gasiorek
Skip & Tori Bates
Jim, Deb, St. Jean Family & Friends
Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Our deepest sympathy.
Peggy Chase
Sadie – so sorry for the loss of your Grandfather. Just remember all the good times.
Deborah Lavallee
Laurie and Family,
I am saddened to hear of your dad’s passing. Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Deborah Lavallee
Christine Lamothe
We are so very sorry to hear of the loss of your dad but comforted to know that he is now with your mom…and so many of their friends…I am sure that they are having one heck of a welcome party for him…Your dad was a great man and he loved his family so very much. It showed in the many activities that your parents did to aid the youth of Putnam for so many years. Both of your parents were very special people, especially to my family and my parents. I am glad that they are all together again, I am sure your mom is singing, my mom is baking and our dads are coaching all star teams and oh, yeah, I am sure they are forming their own Booster Club! We are thinking of you all..
Rich and Chris Lamothe
Buzz Bessette
I’m so sorry to hear about Uncle Gerry. He and Auntie Clair always made me and all the Bessette’s feel at home when we would come to visit. The way they lived their lives influenced us all in a positive way and I’m proud to their nephew.
Buzz Bessette
Maria Pina
Laurie, my sincerest and deepest condolences to you and your family. May God comfort you at your time of loss and sadness.
Maria Pina
Florangel Vega
Hi Laurie,
I so sorry for your loss. My most sincere sympathy to you and your family and may God grant you peace and strength. You are all in my prayers.
Flo…
Chris Vargas
So sorry for your loss. I am finding peace in all the beautiful memories I have of Gerald & Claire and in knowing now, they are together again. Keeping your family in my prayers.
Karen and Alan Lesmerises
Dear Kevin, Tim, Jim, Laurie and families,
We are so sorry about the loss of your dad, brother and grandfather. His last years were very difficult for him and those who loved him dearly. He will now join his beloved spouse, Claire and other family members.
We all need to remember the precious memories of his life when he was with us.
Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you.
All our love,
Karen and Alan
Barbara chubbuck
so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in your memories. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Deb Dogul
Laurie – I am so saddened to hear of your father’s passing. May God comfort you and your family during this difficult time.
Ruth and Mert Baker
Mert and I are so sorry for your loss, Tim, Vicki, and to all the Members and Friends of the St. Jean and Bessette Families.
Mert and I have very fond memories of Claire’s and Gerry’s love of family and terrific sense of humor. (I remember an Anniversary Party held for Claire and Gerry, which Mert and I attended, and at which Claire wore a very large faux, red gem, which she “brandished” about at the Anniversary Party! So many fun recollections…) They both are greatly missed by so many…
Peggy and Jaime Harvey
Timmy, Kevin, Jimmy, Laurie and families, So sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. I know how difficult these last few years have been for all of you. Jaime and I will hold you in our hearts and pray that you will find comfort with the knowledge that your Dad is finally at peace, and soon to be reunited with your amazing mother.
Ken and Lisa Coderre
We are so sorry to hear about Uncle Gerry. We are sure he at peace now, with Aunt Claire in Heaven. Our deepest sympathies.
Kellie King
My deepest sympathies to you and your family. This is not an easy time but may the memories that fill your heart ease the sadness within.
Heather Keith-Lucas
Laurie – May you surround yourself with your family and treasure the memories you all have. My prayers to you and your family for strength, comfort and peace.
Heather
Eleanor Hubbard
Kevin,
My deepest sympathy to you on the loss of your Dad. Please extend my sympathy to all your family.
May all the happy memories of time spent with your parents help you during your grieving pariod.
I remember seeing your parents walking around the condo complex and I especially enjoyed reading your Dad’s column in the Putnam Town Crier.
Peace and Love,
Ellie Hubbard
Donald R. Aubrey
I met Gerald as a young distant relative visiting Saint Jean family members at their home in Putnam with my grandmother Salome Aubrey many decades ago …He was one of the very few who like some of us, felt deeply blessed and were actually honored to be aboriginal native americans both in blood and spirit…..His spirit was and remains strong no matter what health difficulties he faced late in his life and will be remembered by many of us whose paths unfortunately do not cross very often..I for one in representation of many others who were unable to attend his wake and funeral offer our sincere condolences for the many family members who remain in this world and loved him for who he was to them.
Don Aubrey
Sue Bousquet
Laurie,
So sorry to hear about your father. Your dad was always very nice to me and he certainly loved watching you play basketball. A great fan of PHS and very proud of his daughter. We were both very blessed to have fathers that supported our interest in sports.
My thoughts & prayers are with you & your family.
Sue Bousquet
Marceline St. Jean
May his soul rest in peace…