CHARLES A. ST. JEAN

Charles Arthur St. Jean

(1945-2025)

Known for his generosity and humor, Charley St. Jean, 79, of Warwick, Rhode Island died on March 28, 2025, comfortably at his Punta Gorda home with his wife, daughter, son, and daughter-in-law while under Hospice care.

He was born in West Warwick, Rhode Island in 1945 to Adelard (Del) and Irene St. Jean, who with his brother Arthur St. Jean (Cheryl), and sisters Mary Ann Reynolds (Michael), Nancy Theroux (Steve), and Carol St. Jean enjoyed a close immediate family and a large extended family.

After graduating high school, he served his country in the Army National Guard. He worked in the family business, St. Jean Oil, for a number of years, and eventually went to work for Warren Oil Company servicing burners. Charley transferred into sales, becoming sales manager, and eventually a Vice President by the time he retired in his early 40’s.

Charley’s life was dominated by several heart attacks and more medical procedures than should be possible for any one person, but this also shaped his outlook on life; every day was precious. Charley always felt he was on borrowed time and as a result he embraced life, especially his time with his family and friends.

In 1984 Charley met his match and life partner Cynthia. They married in 1997 in Key West Florida and the adventure began with cross-country trips, motorcycling along the East coast, and exploring the Mediterranean and Alaska. But it was out on the boat together that was the most special, whether it was simple days and evenings together at Potters Cove or Block Island or cruising the intercoastal waterway from New England to Florida.

Being both a boater and perhaps one who enjoyed the occasional beverage, Charley was a lifetime member of the Rhode Island Yacht club and member of the Pawtuxet Athletic Club (PAC). At the RI Yacht Club, he was also Fleet captain as well as served on several other committees. He particularly enjoyed the race committee. 

Charley was blessed with two children and their spouses, Michael and Susan St. Jean, and Michelle and Scott Klinke, and two grandchildren, Matthew and Jacob St. Jean.  In his role as dad and "Pepere" he would drop everything and move the world for his kids and grandkids.

Everyone knew Charley! From happy hours on the boat, to freely volunteering his time and skill to help build or fix something, Charley was always there to laugh with, celebrate with, and support his many friends.

Charley is lovingly remembered for his joyful and generous nature as well as his sense of humor. We couldn’t have asked for a better man in our lives and will miss him every day. His memory will live in the hearts of all those who knew him.

Visiting hours will be Thursday evening, May 15, 2025 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, at the Iannotti Funeral Home, 415 Washington Street, (Route 117) Coventry.

His Mass of Christian Burial will held Friday, May 16, 2025 at 11:00 am at St. John and James Church, 20 Washington Street, West Warwick, followed by the burial with military honors at St. Josephs Cemetery (AKA RI Historical Cemetery West Warwick #14), Gough Ave., West Warwick. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the

American Lung Association 

( LUNG.ORG )

would be appreciated.

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