SOUTHINGTON, Conn. – Eugene St. Pierre Jr., 71, formerly of Clinton and Southington, Conn., went peacefully home to the Lord on Monday, May 2.

He was born April 19, 1934, in Lewiston, the son of the late Eugene and Lucy (Rideout) St. Pierre. Known by many as “Gene the sign painter,” he was a talented artist and award-winning wood carver.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, especially his children, grandchildren and sister. He was a free spirit with a great sense of humor and a passion for his sign painting and woodcarving, motorcycle riding and helping others.

He is survived by a son, Marc St. Pierre and his fiancee, Ingrid Poe, of Fredericksburg, Va.; two daughters, Sandra St. Pierre-Nessing and her husband, Kenneth, and son, Joseph of Wallingford, Conn., and Sonya Poormon and her husband, Robert, and daughters, Valerie and Vyctoria of Fayette, N.Y.; a sister, Jeanne St. Pierre of Southington, Conn.; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was predeceased by a sister, Laurette Duguay; and his former wife, Carmen St. Pierre, and his beloved “Bandit” whom we are sure the first to welcome him home.

His family is deeply grateful for the kind, compassionate care he received.