Obituary of Joseph F. St. Claire

Joseph F. St. Claire, 80, of Concord, NH (formerly Saugus, MA), a devoted family man, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, December 1, 2024, surrounded by the legacy he was most proud of, his family. Joseph was born in Lynn, the son of the late Ferdinand and Juliette (Horth) St. Claire. He was educated in the Saugus School system and graduated from Saugus High School.

It was at Saugus High that he met the love of his life, June Rose (Howell) St. Claire. Their journey together began on the playground when Joe and June were 16 and 14 respectively. June developed a crush on Joe and decided that she would get the older boy to take her to prom. June’s plan worked better than she may have initially imagined as a few years later the couple wed after June’s high school graduation and began their life together. They drove up to Sebago Lake and stayed there for their honeymoon — a place that would become a favorite family destination for camping and memories. Years later, Joe would often tell his grandchildren the story about how it snowed that August while they were up there together.

Joseph began his career at General Electric immediately after high school, working as a jet engine machinist for 27 years. Known for his tireless work ethic, he often worked 12-hour days to provide for his family. His love for children and his openness to new experiences later led him to open a daycare facility in Texas, where he and his wife cared for 110 children and infants. Though their time in Texas lasted only four years, it was a cherished chapter before Joseph returned to General Electric, and one that would prepare him to be an empathetic, strong, and kind grandfather years later.

Joseph was a kind and loving father, and one to always be involved in his childrens’ lives. Joseph was a little league coach for many years, where he taught his son, Jeff, to play the game he so loved, and his daughter, Michelle, to keep the box score like the old-timers at Fenway. He was an avid fan of all Boston sports including the Patriots, Red Sox, Celtics, and Bruins. He delighted in collecting sports trading cards and Star Wars memorabilia. His passion for collectibles revealed his entrepreneurial flair, as he frequented trade shows to buy and sell items. Yet, Joseph never forgot the joy these “toys” could bring to others. He frequently purchased two of the same item—one for his own collection and another to play with his grandchildren, who brought him endless happiness.

Above all else, the role of being a grandfather was the one that Joseph treasured the most. Whether building sandcastles, playing with action figures, or simply being present, he created lasting memories with his grandchildren. His love and devotion were most evident this past year, as he found the strength to officiate his grandson’s wedding despite his declining health - a testament to the strength of his character, the depth of the love in his heart, and his unwavering commitment to family.

Joseph was also a man of devout faith. Later in his life, his dedication and service led him to become an Elder at the Church of Christ in Melrose and then later in Wilmington, where he preached with conviction, compassion, and faith. Joseph would often talk with friends and family alike of his favorite passages in the Bible. One that stood out in particular was 1st Corinthians, 13, “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”. Joseph was a man who lived his life according to those words, putting his love for others foremost in his life. Regardless of your age, background, race, or creed, Joseph would approach you with love in his heart.

In addition to his loving wife, June, he is survived by his children, Michelle Whiffen and her husband Douglas of Rockport, MA, and Jeff St. Claire and his wife Stacey of Concord,  NH, grandchildren, Matthew Whiffen and his wife Christina, Brendan St.Claire, Connor Whiffen, Sam Whiffen, Ben St. Claire and Lizzy St. Claire, siblings, Diane Ahern and the  late Joseph Ahern of Lynn, In laws, Kathy St. Claire, Lana Foglietta her late husband  Rupert, of Georgetown, Richard Howell and his wife Tricia of Georgetown, Robert Howell and his wife Laura of Sandown, NH, Sandra Turcotte and her husband Steve of​ Missouri City, TX, and Dennis Howell and his wife Kathy of Rowley as well as many nieces and nephews. Joseph was predeceased by his brother, the late Harold St. Claire.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours on Friday December 6, from 4pm to 7pm at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home 43 Winn St., Burlington. His funeral service will be on Saturday, starting at 11am in the funeral home. Interment will be private and at the convenience of his family. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.

Condolences to his family may be made at www.sullivanfuneralhome.net​