Leonard W. St. Jean

Leonard Wayne St. Jean, of Stoughton, passed away May 26, 2025 at the age of 83.  Beloved husband for over 51 years, Susan (Derby) St. Jean.  Loving father of Lisa Margaret Cerqueira and husband Carlos Manuel Cerqueira, Renee Nicole D’Amour and husband Philip Mitchell D’Amour, and Lance Leonard St. Jean and wife Barbara (Schofield) St. Jean.  Cherished grandfather of Samuel Leonard Cerqueira, Jacob Mitchell D’Amour and wife Tonya D’Amour, Kiah Elisabeth D’Amour, Colin James St. Jean, and Reiss Maureen St. Jean.  Brother of Nancy Miller and Ellen St. Jean Pfadt.

Len was born and raised on a dairy farm in the upper peninsula of Michigan where he developed his strength, self-discipline, and work ethic during the long days working the farm and hauling lumber from the woods. He was introduced to the then relatively new sport of football by his older sister Barbara while he was in high school, becoming an integral part of their competitive team, and then sometimes walking home for miles in the woods after games and practices. His strength and quickness contributed to championship seasons for the Northern Michigan University Wildcats in Marquette, Michigan earning NAIA All-American honors, resulting in his being drafted by both the Green Bay Packers in the 17th round of the NFL draft and the Boston Patriots in the 9th round of the AFL draft.

St. Jean played his entire NFL career with the Boston and subsequently New England Patriots from 1964-1973, earning an AFL All-Star selection in 1966 and being named to the Patriots All-1960s team. In addition to playing at right offensive guard, he also played defensive end, compiling five sacks in his first two seasons. He attributed much of his success to his relentless work ethic, participating in every practice, preseason and regular season game after making the switch to offense. St. Jean’s feats of strength both on and off the field earned him the nickname of “Boston Strong Boy.” After completing his time with the Patriots, his love of the game led him to play in the upstart World Football League for another two years, briefly with the New York Stars, followed by a stint with the Charlotte Hornets.

When he finally hung up his cleats, St. Jean turned his focus and work ethic to the field of electrical components, working as a successful sales representative for Bell Controls before moving to Datcom, helmed by his former teammate Larry Eisenhauer. He continued to support the Patriots as a frequent spokesperson at Patriots football events and autograph signings, including Football for You events, and was an active supporter of the New England Patriots Alumni Club. St. Jean was inducted into the Northern Michigan Athletics Hall of Fame in 1976 and the Upper Peninsula Sports Hall of Fame in 1980.

He loved the outdoors and enjoyed golf, fishing, hunting, and gardening before he was limited by his health and mobility issues. All who met him were drawn in by his warm, welcoming manner, engaged listening, and love of laughter. St. Jean was a consummate storyteller, weaving many tales of life growing up on a farm and the early days of football in the AFL. He participated in and coordinated many charitable events, including an annual golf tournament, and was generous with his time and responded to every letter and autograph request he received, in-person and in the mail, up until the last week of his life.

Most importantly, he was a loving, supportive husband, an engaged father and grandfather, and attentive friend, always calling to check in and say “hello,” remembering to ask about the things important to the person he was talking to. He never met a stranger, and during repeated hospital stays would quickly know the nurses and doctors by name, where they lived, how many children they had, and their hobbies. He never stopped being interested in the world around him and especially loved being surrounded by family and friends.

A surprisingly gentle giant, he will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him. If you wish to honor his memory, in lieu of sending flowers the family requests donations be made to the Dana Farber Cancer Center in Len’s name via dana-farber.org.

Visiting hours will be held at the Hurley Funeral Home, 134 So. Main St. (Rt. 28), Randolph, on Sunday, June 1^st from 2-6pm.  Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.  A private funeral service will be held at a later date.  For online guestbook and directions, visit www.thehurleyfuneralhomes.com.