Roger W. St. Germain

Roger W. St Germain of Palm Beach Gardens, FL died peacefully in his sleep at the age of 92 on August 4, 2019.  Rogers was born in 1927 in Woonsocket, RI where he was a proud member of the French-Canadian community; raising a family of seven with his wife Yolande, growing his business there and leaving a footprint in the community for years to come.  He was the son of the late Willy and Armandine (Vadenais) St Germain; and he was preceded in death by his cherished wife, Yolande “Zeb” (Picard) St Germain.

He was deeply loved by many; and his presence will be missed, especially, by his beloved companion of 36 years, Connie Tarro of East Greenwich, RI;  his daughters, Monique St Germain of  MA and Marcelle St Germain (Michael Tierney) of WV; and his sons, Marc  St Germain of NC, Paul St Germain (Michelle) of Woonsocket, RI, David St Germain  (Ann) of NH, Luc St Germain (Patricia) of Woonsocket, RI and Roger St Germain (Lisa) of NH. His legacy continues with his grandchildren (Elizabeth, Timothy, Luke, Mary, Joey, Terry, Collette, Elise, Renee, Marc, Nicole, Catherine, Denyse, Elaine, Matthew, Erika, Michael, Daniel, Dana, and Samantha) and 6 great-grandchildren (Trent, Kerryn, Juliette, Josephine, Briana and Liliana).  Roger is also survived by his sister, Denise Scali, of Washington, DC.  

Roger was a second “dad” to Dennis Tarro, Anthony Tarro, John Tarro, Pamela Tarro, Jennifer  Walsh and Christopher Tarro and was always known as “Grandpa Roger”  by Tripp, Hannah, Olivia, Isabella, Sophia, Cotter, Cormac, Christopher and Nicholas.  Roger played an important role in their lives for which they will always be grateful.

In 1944, Roger graduated from Assumption Preparatory School then served in the United States Army from 1945 to 1947.  After returning from military service, he resumed his studies and graduated from the College of the Holy Cross in 1950. Serving as Member of the President’s Council at both schools, he remained a key donor and supporter until his death.  After college, Roger joined his father to grow the family business, St Germain Trucking, which was founded in 1920.  For the past 50 years he was the proud owner of the company and worked side by side with his sons to grow the business. In his final days, Roger’s only regret was that he would not see the 100th anniversary of the family business; but he was confident his three sons (Paul, Luc and Roger) would take over the reins (officially).

Roger was actively involved in the community as a member of the Woonsocket Jaycees, the former Commissioner of the Woonsocket Housing Authority for 15 years, and a former Board Member for Fleet Bank.  He was philanthropic and supported numerous charitable organizations.

As a member of Kirkbrae Country Club and then PGA National Resort, Roger was an avid tennis player until his knees forced him to focus on his golf game.  He played into his late 80s with not much improvement on his game and outliving his peers. That meant Roger was unfortunately always in need of new players for his foursome.  Roger was a dapper dresser; always exuding class.  Unless he was watching the Patriots or RedSox, then he had choice words for those “dummies” during missed plays.  Roger loved business.  He could talk tirelessly about it or be found watching CNBC for hours.  Even into his last days, Roger was fixated on how the stock market was performing.

Roger truly enjoyed spending time with his family and friends whether talking about his business, providing advice, reminiscing of his youth in Woonsocket, discussing the stock market, watching “Shark Tank”, or just sharing a meal out at night.  And lastly, Roger was so very proud of his greatest achievement, his family; especially his wonderful grandchildren and great grandchildren.  He loved watching them play sports, hosting them on vacations in Florida, or sharing his favorite past-time with them, dessert. 

Roger is surely enjoying his coffee roll and crossword puzzle as he looks down upon the incredible legacy he left. He will be missed.

His funeral with a Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, August 12, at 10:00AM in St. Joseph’s Church, Mendon Rd, Woonsocket. Burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held in the Fournier & Fournier Funeral Home, 463 South Main St, Woonsocket, Sunday 4-7PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to: Tribute Program, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 1000 Dept 142, Memphis, TN 38101-9908, or Assumption College. https://res.assumption.edu/alumni/onlinegiving.php.

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