Robert C. ST Clair, 88 passed away from a sudden illness on 2/20/2020 and was surrounded by his family during this transition. Bob or “Uncle Bob” was predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Eleanor ST Clair (Falasca), his father, James P. ST Clair, Sr., his mother Viola (Conlin), older sister, Iris ST Clair and older brother, James (Jimmy) P. ST Clair, Jr.
Bob was born in Passaic, New Jersey and grew up in this area including the towns of Lyndhurst and Rutherford. He completed high school and obtained his Associates degree. He went on to serve in the U. S. Army and was in the Korean War becoming a decorated soldier receiving a Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. Post honorable discharge, he proudly and continuously supported the cause of all Veterans through the remainder of his life by serving in the local honor guard and participating in other events supporting Veterans.
In his earlier years, Bob met his future wife, Eleanor while working in New York City, N.Y. After their marriage they lived in New Jersey initially, then moved to the St. Petersburg, FL area living there for several years. Subsequently, Bob returned to live in New Jersey for several years and started working for United Parcel Service from which he later retired as a Manager (at the Newark, NJ site). Eleanor also retired from her job and from there, they traveled all over the world and did eventually return to live in St. Petersburg again. Thereafter, Bob remained in Florida through the remainder of his life.
During his early truck-driving years with UPS, Bob spent quite a bit of time on his long-distance routes in the mid-west states including Oklahoma. Something about the mid-west “clicked” for Uncle Bob who adopted the dress of the cowboy, preferring jeans, cowboy boots and hats. (He would dress up in a traditional suit if the need arose.) However, he always wore one of his many cowboy hats regardless and the hat became his trademark. He enjoyed various activities and was a sports fan of football, baseball and hockey. Bob also liked to travel, appreciated the Arts and museums and was a very charitable donor to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The other trademark for Bob was his love of his cars, which were always…Lincoln Town Cars or Continentals. This love seemed to follow the trend set by his older brother, Jimmy who owned Lincolns.
Uncle Bob was fun to be with, cheerful, outgoing and immediately liked when meeting new persons. A humorous notation and tribute to Bob’s adamant position on the spelling of the surname; note that the abbreviated word, ‘Saint’ is spelled ST using a capital ‘T’ and no period – not St. Clair. He will always have our love and is already missed by all his friends and family. The surviving family includes numerous nieces and nephews and grand-nieces and -nephews: Dawn, Denise, Dana and Nicolas ST Clair, Harold Falasca, Jr., Frank Falasca, Rosemarie Morey, Anna Cappelli and Bob’s special lady over the last few years, Elly Soucy.
At Bob’s specific request to his family, there was to be no local service and his cremated remains are to be placed alongside his late wife at the Holy Cross Cemetery in Malden, MA. There will be a family ceremony at Holy Cross at the time of interment in MA. In memory of Bob, it is suggested that any donations or volunteering of your time, be made to support local Veterans’ organizations or to St. Jude Research Children’s Hospital.
Well, Uncle Bob, you finally made it to the great “round up”. You left us suddenly and we really feel your absence…can’t put into words how much you meant to all your family. Drive on… and we love you and miss you. PS – We kept several of your cowboy hats and our “BOB” t-shirts; I know you will get a kick out of that. Love and will catch you later.
As fellow residents of the Lake Seminole Square retirement community, we saw Bob often, usually on his way to or from a military honor guard service in which he often participated. We liked Bob from the first day – must be that we and he are all from the same area in NJ! He was a great guy and will be missed by many residents here. Our special condolences to Eleanor (Elly). May he rest in peace as he deserves it for all the good he had done.
Uncle Bob, What a great ride you had, and i was fortunate enough to be on a lot of those rides.I first met you in 1953, I was nine years old,We lived in the projects on riverside ave in Medford, Mass. Aunt Eleanor brought you over so we could meet you, My sisters and brother thought it was great that you could talk like donald duck. we loved you from then on.When you and Aunt Eleanor got married, you had Frankie and Anna in the Wedding as ring bearer and flower girl, in later years you always said to me, you know your old when the twins in your wedding party are retired! you gave me a nice cap rifle when you came back from your Honeymoon.Uncle Bob you will always be in my heart and my prayers, We were fortunate enough to meet Elly Sousy , your Lady friend,what a great lady. We were also able to see your nieces and great nephew Nick, also great people,well Uncle Bob keep the petal to the metal and don’t blow through any red lights although I think the good Lord would give you a free pass. We love you. Rest in peace. Your loving Nephew Harry and Family.