Wilfred St. George

Willy St. George, age 78, of St. Johnsbury, died Friday morning, Jan. 1, 2016 at the St. Johnsbury Health & Rehab Center where he had been a resident since July 2015.
He was born on July 4, 1937 in Lowell, Vermont, the third child of Wilfred J. St. George, Sr. and Georgianna (Gadoury) St. George. He was educated in Lowell and Troy schools.
Willy was a farmer in the Newport area from 1956 until the 1970's. He was also a heavy equipment operator helping to construct the road to the top of Jay Peak. He owned and operated Willy's Beverage and Redemption Center on Portland St. in St. Johnsbury. Many may remember his cheerful "good morning, my friend" as they stopped in for coffee on their way to work.
In 1986 he married the love of his life and soul mate, Alana Clifford and they had 29 happy years of marriage together. In 1991 they started Clean Sweep Chimney Service, a business they truly loved. It meant so much to him to know that he was providing a valuable service and helping others. Willy retired in 2001 but was not one to sit idle. He spent the next several years working at various part-time jobs. In 2007 he and Alana became home providers for the Northeast Kingdom Human Services.
Willy was a member of the First Congregational Church in Lyndonville, serving as a member of the Prudential Board, deacon, and on the search committee. He was a life member of the St. Johnsbury Lions Club and a recipient of the Melvin Jones Fellow Award, the highest honor a Lion can receive.
Willy enjoyed being with his family and friends and had a wonderful sense of humor. He enjoyed playing the guitar and harmonica. He was a friend to everyone.
Survivors include his wife Alana of The St. Johnsbury House (1207 Main St, Apt. G1 05819); his 6 children, 8 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandsons: Yven St. George and wife Julia of Vergennes; Phil St. George, wife Debra and family Andre and Danielle and Danielle's son Sylar of St. Johnsbury; Martin St. George, wife Krystin and family Astin St. George and Alexis Ingerson of St. Johnsbury; Andre St. George, wife Sarah and family Stephanie McCone and husband Nate, Jessica St. George and her son Jaeden-Pierre of East Tawas, Michigan, Marc St. George and wife Diane also of East Tawas, Michigan; a daughter Monique St. George of Williston.
He is also survived by a step-son Duane Drown and his sons Brandon and Rylee of St. Johnsbury; two sisters: Yvette Limoges of Troy, Delia Lemieux and husband Louis of Troy; Alana's sister Barbara Masciangioli of New Britain, Conn.; Alana's brother Bruce Clifford and his wife Nancy of East Hartford, Connecticut; several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He was predeceased his parents: two brothers Yven and Gaston St. George, and an infant daughter Gisele St. George; a grandson Bentley Wilfred St. George; his in-laws Howard and Beryl Clifford; 4 brothers-in-law law: Roland Limoges, Gary and Duane Clifford and Anthony Masciangioli.
Visiting hours will be held in St. Johnsbury at the Sayles Funeral Home Thursday evening, Jan. 7, from 6-8 p.m.
The funeral will be held in Lyndonville Friday morning, Jan. 8, at 11 a.m. at the First Congregational Church of Lyndonville. His pastor, the Rev. Judi Horgan, will officiate.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Alzheimer's Association of Vermont, 300 Cornerstone Dr., Suite 128, Williston VT 05495.
Memories and condolences may be shared privately at www.saylesfh.com. The Sayles Funeral Home is located at 525 Summer St. in St. Johnsbury.
The family wishes to thank the staff at St. Johnsbury Health & Rehab Center and the Hospice Program for the wonderful care and comfort given to Willy during his final months.