Jerome Hamilton “Jerry” St. Clair, 86, of Boothbay Harbor, died April 11 at Miles Memorial Hospital in Damariscotta, with family at his side.

Jerry was born January 31, 1928 in Newark, New Jersey to Frank and Elizabeth Hamilton St. Clair. He grew up in Millburn, N.J., and attended local schools. He was proud to serve his country as a sergeant and paratrooper in the 11th Airborne Division of the U.S. Army. He graduated from Bowdoin College in Brunswick.

Jerry worked as a district manager for New York Telephone Company. He retired in 1983 and moved back to Maine with his wife, Helen, where his family originally resided. 

Jerry’s passion for the Boothbay region community was evident by his many volunteer activities and participation on various boards, including St. Andrews Hospital, town selectman and the Boothbay Region Land Trust. As a selectman, Jerry served on the waterfront committee and was instrumental in creating the new waste transfer station. He was an active member of the Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club, serving on the waterfront committee and enjoying racing and cruising with Helen and friends.

Jerry was a talented woodworker and small boatbuilder. He was an avid sailor and instilled the love of boating in his children and grandchildren.

He was well-known for his quick wit, mischievous grin, and love for all dogs. He will be greatly and sadly missed by his community, friends, and most especially his family and dog, Cody.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 63 years, Helen Matheny St. Clair of Boothbay Harbor; daughters, Susan Raye and her husband Steve of Simsbury, Conn., and Nancy St. Clair of Boothbay Harbor; son, James St. Clair and his wife Mitsuyo of Brooklyn, N.Y.; grandchildren, Lindsay Raye of Los Angeles, Calif., Jessica Renaud and her husband Scott of Simsbury, Conn., Henry and Avery St. Clair, both of Brooklyn, N.Y.; great-granddaughter, Kya Renaud of Simsbury, Conn.; and sister-in-law, Louise Baylis of St. Augustine, Fla.

A service to celebrate Jerry’s life was held 5 p.m. April 17 at the Congregational Church of Boothbay Harbor with the Rev. Dr. Sarah Foulger officiating. A reception followed at the St. Clair home, 193 Commercial Street, Boothbay Harbor. Contributions in Jerry’s memory may be made to the Lincoln County Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 7, Edgecomb, ME 04556.

You can share condolences with the family by visiting Jerry’s Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com 

Arrangements are entrusted to Simmons, Harrington & Hall Funeral Home, 975 Wiscasset Road, Boothbay.