Clarence J. "Saint" St. Andre

Clarence J. St. Andre "Saint" 9/29/17-11/13/10 San Lorenzo Clarence Joseph St. Andre was born in Central Falls, Rhode Island, in 1917, the second of six siblings, to Leon and Albina St. Andre. He passed away at 93 years of age, after breaking both of his hips in a fall, and then contracting pneumonia. A child of the Depression, he joined the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) as a young man, then served as a Chief Radioman in the US Navy during World War II and the Korean Conflict, retiring after 20 years. Following his retirement from the Navy, he served 20 years as a jailer with the Oakland Police Department. Saint was married for 62 years to Helen Louise Russell of Pawtucket, RI, with whom he had four children -Michael, Betsy, Ginger and Ellie. Saint and his family moved to San Lorenzo in 1960 when his final tour of duty brought him to Treasure Island. He and his wife Helen have been parishioners at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in San Lorenzo for the past 50 years. Saint was also a member of SIRS 26 and the Philatelic Society of San Leandro. Saint was an avid reader, ham radio operator, and stamp and coin collector. He loved to dance and tell stories. He could repair anything and loved working with his hands. But of all his many interests, the things he treasured most in life were his family, his naval career, and playing cards or dice with family and friends. Left to mourn Saint's empty chair are his wife Helen, his sister Cecile Gaudini of Auburn and her family, his daughters Ginger Sire and Ellie Gould, Ellie's husband, Steve, Saint's beloved grandchildren - Kristen Sire Elliott and her husband Micah, Kristopher Gould and his wife Sarah, Ariel Gould, Aimee Sire, and Jacob Gould. Saint was close to his many nieces and nephews, including Michelle Ewing of Tracy, and will be greatly missed by all. Saint was preceded in death by his parents, his son Michael St. Andre, and his daughter Betsy Ford-Winnick. Visitation will be from 6:00pm to 8:00pm on Monday, November 22, 2010 at Grissom's Mortuary, 267 E Lewelling Blvd, San Lorenzo. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. John's Church, 264 E. Lewelling Blvd, San Lorenzo at 10:00am on Tuesday, November 23, 2010, followed by internment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetary, Hayward. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society c/o St. John's Church or your favorite charity. Member of San Leandro Philatelic Society, SIRS 26.