Obituary: J. Ernest St. Jean

J. Ernest St. Jean

J. Ernest St. Jean of South Dartmouth, affectionately known as “Ernie” or “Saint,” died peacefully in his sleep on Oct. 2, 2023, after a prolonged illness. He was the loving husband of Carole Jeanne (Young) for 53 years.

Born in Providence, he was the eldest son of the late J. Ernest and Gloria (Beaudoin) St. Jean. Mr. St. Jean spent his formative years in Canton and became an active and longtime member of the community. He and Carole and their family later moved to the seaside town of Hull, where they enjoyed ocean views and bay breezes. More recently, he and his wife resided in South Dartmouth. Mr. St. Jean’s dedication to lifelong learning began upon graduation from Canton High School and continued with his studies at Providence College, where he earned a bachelor of arts degree in English. Not surprisingly, he pursued further coursework at the University of Nebraska. Even more rewarding for him than his studies was the opportunity to return to his high school alma mater and devote nearly 35 years to students in Canton. While he thoroughly enjoyed reading and discussing a “good” book or taking in an entertaining movie, his favorite and most fulfilling pastime was being with his family, and especially with his grandchildren, whom he adored. He was very proud of them all.

He was the loving father of Sonya R. Rice and her husband, Randy, of Lutz, FL; Rachel S. Kolosky and her husband, Chris, of Santa Rosa Beach, FL; and Marc A. St. Jean and his wife, Amanda (Tai), of South Easton. He was the cousin of Janet Parenteau of Indialantic, FL. He was “Bubba” to Ariane, Nate, and Myra Rice; C. J. and Kyla Kolosky; and Ethan and Geoffrey St. Jean. He is survived by his brothers Paul J. St. Jean and his wife, Marylou, of Warwick, R.I.; Thomas A. St. Jean and his wife, Sharon, of Danvers; and one sister, Lea St. Jean of Warwick. Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ernie’s memory may be made to a charity of your choice.