Jerome Hamilton “Jerry” St. Clair, 86, died April 11 at LincolnHealth – Miles Campus in Damariscotta, with family at his side. Jerry was born Jan. 31, 1928 in Newark, N.J. to Frank and Elizabeth Hamilton St. Clair. He grew up in Millburn, N.J. and attended local schools. He was proud to serve his country as a sergeant and paratrooper in the 11th Airborne Division of the U.S. Army. He then graduated from Bowdoin College.
Jerry worked as a district manager for New York Telephone Company. He retired in 1983 and moved back to Maine with his wife, Helen, where his family originally resided.
Jerry’s passion for the Boothbay region community was evident by his many volunteer activities and participation on various boards, including St. Andrews Hospital, Town Selectman, and the Boothbay Region Land Trust. As a selectman, Jerry served on the waterfront committee and was instrumental in creating the new town transfer station. He was an active member of the Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club, serving on the waterfront committee and enjoying racing and cruising with Helen and friends.
Jerry was a talented wood-worker and small boat builder. He was an avid sailor and instilled the love of boating in his children and grandchildren.
He was well-known for his quick wit, mischievous grin, and love for all dogs.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 63 years, Helen Matheny St. Clair of Boothbay Harbor; daughters, Susan Raye and husband Steve of Simsbury, Conn., and Nancy St. Clair of Boothbay Harbor; son, James St. Clair and wife Mitsuyo of Brooklyn, N.Y.; grandchildren, Lindsay Raye of Los Angeles, Cal., Jessica Renaud and husband Scott of Simsbury, Conn., and Henry and Avery St. Clair, both of Brooklyn, N.Y.; great-granddaughter, Kya Renaud of Simsbury, Conn.; and sister-in-law, Louise Baylis of St. Augustine, Fla.
A service to celebrate Jerry’s life will be held 5 p.m., Thurs., April 17 at the Congregational Church of Boothbay Harbor with Rev. Dr. Sarah Foulger officiating. A reception will follow at the St. Clair home, 193 Commercial St., Boothbay Harbor.
Contributions in Jerry’s memory may be made to the Lincoln County Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 7, Edgecomb, ME 04556.
You can share condolences with the family by visiting Jerry’s Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Simmons, Harrington & Hall Funeral Home, 975 Wiscasset Rd., Boothbay.
