Richard J. St. Jean

Richard J. St. Jean, 81, of Coventry, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2025, at the Cottage Residence at Briarcliffe Gardens in Johnston. He was the beloved husband of Veronica “Ronnie” (Jendzejec) St. Jean, with whom he shared 60 devoted years of marriage.

Born in Warwick, Richard was the son of the late Eugene and Louise (Sambain) St. Jean. He made Coventry his home for the past 53 years, where he built a life centered on faith, family, and service.

Richard worked for over 40 years at General Dynamics, Electric Boat, where he held a number of positions (including submarine sea trials) before retiring. He then went on to work in the banking industry in support of attorneys and their staffs with asset collections. Afterwards, he continued to remain active in his volunteering to support church events.

A devoted parishioner of Our Lady of Czenstochowa Church in Coventry, Richard gave generously of his time as a Eucharistic minister, a CYO advisor, and a member of the Holy Name Society. He was also a proud member of the Gibson Council #180 Knights of Columbus. His faith and community involvement were cornerstones of his life.

He was a lover of life and everyone he encountered. There wasn’t a soul who crossed his path that didn’t instantly feel a deep connection to his presence.

An avid skier, Richard treasured time spent with family at their home in Loon Mountain, where he found joy and peace in the mountains and made lasting memories with loved ones.

In addition to his beloved wife Ronnie, Richard is survived by his daughter, Rose M. Hyder, and her husband Luke of Portsmouth, and his cherished grandson, Luke Jr. He also leaves behind two siblings, Annette Auger of West Warwick and Donald St. Jean of Coventry. He was predeceased by his brothers Joseph “Gene” St. Jean and Robert St. Jean, and sisters Bernadette Leveillee and Claudette Whitehead.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. from the PRATA-GALLOGLY Funeral Home, 78 Providence Street, West Warwick, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Czenstochowa Church, 445 Washington Street, Coventry. Interment will follow at St. Mary Cemetery, West Warwick. Visiting hours will be held on Monday, August 4, 2025 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Richard’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Rhode Island Chapter, 245 Waterman Street, Suite 306, Providence, RI 02906.

For information and to offer condolences, please visit www.PrataGallogly.com.

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