Lucien D. St. Cyr

Lucien “Luke” D. St. Cyr of South Dennis, formerly of Brockton, passed away January 16th after a brief hospitalization. He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 61 years, Judith “Judie”; his five children Michelle (Shawn) Connelly, Andrea (Alan) Donovan, Jeffrey St. Cyr, Camille (Adam Leichtman) St. Cyr, and Lucien (Lynn) St. Cyr. He is also survived by five grandsons, Patrick, Tyler, and Andrew Connelly and Evan and Cameron Donovan; two great-grandsons, Finnegan and Killian; his brother and sister, Willis and Moey and his sister-in-law Elena. He was predeceased by his siblings Joyce, Nancy, Ernie and his brother-in-law Danny.

Luke was born January 2, 1938 in Lebanon, NH. He was the son of Omer and Angelique (Berube) St. Cyr. While in 8th grade at Sacred Heart School, he befriended new 7th grader Judie by buying her five cent bags of Wise potato chips daily at recess. Luke graduated from Lebanon High School in 1956 and Keene Teachers College in 1961. Shortly after their graduation, he and Judie were married. Over their many years together, the daily potato chips evolved into espresso and “coffee time” together.

Luke began his teaching career in Newton Junction, NH before joining the faculty in Rockland, MA, first at the junior high and eventually at Rockland High School where he remained until he retired after 40 years of teaching. He was passionate about teaching U.S. History and U.S. Government. Although he was known for being demanding, students often came back to tell him how much they learned from him and many were delighted when their children landed in Mr. St. Cyr’s classroom. Over the years, Luke was involved in many school activities, including coaching junior varsity baseball. Toward the end of his career, he became an advisor for the Massachusetts Youth and Government program, guiding students in developing writing, public speaking, and debating skills in order to participate in a model state government at the Massachusetts State House each year.

A wonderful and devoted dad, Luke always put his family first. Serving as chief chauffeur for his childrens’ extra-curricular activities, he drove countless miles, including the roundtrip from Cape Cod to Braintree twice a day during one summer. Whether he was attending their sports meets, concerts, plays, or Scout meetings, he always encouraged his children and cheered them on unfailingly. He enjoyed summers on the Cape with his family: going for bike rides, attending outdoor band concerts, visiting the library, taking walks around the neighborhood, eating dinners on the beach, and watching Cape Cod League baseball games.

In his retirement, Luke continued to stay busy with family and the activities he enjoyed. His miles of driving shifted to traveling to New Hampshire and Western Massachusetts to spend time with his grandchildren, encouraging their various interests. He found a new way to share his love of teaching by giving tours of Boston as a Boston by Foot volunteer guide, with his tours often going over time as he shared his extensive knowledge of history and amusing anecdotes. An avid Boston sports fan, he took family trips to attend Red Sox spring training and looked forward to bi-coastal weekly text conversations with Camille and Lucien during Patriots games. Luke took square dance lessons with Judie, both advancing to the A-2 level and dancing with groups on and off the Cape.

Luke was a devout Catholic. For over a decade, he participated in a faith sharing group and at times served as co-leader. He was also a Eucharistic minister at Sunday mass and, together with Judie, held monthly Eucharistic services for residents at Heights Crossing in Brockton for 12 years. In recognition of their service, Luke and Judie were awarded the Catholic Charities Extraordinary Volunteer of the Year Award in 2019.

Visitation will be at Doane, Beal, and Ames in South Dennis on Sunday, January 29th from 1-4 pm. The funeral mass will be at 11 am on Monday, January 30th at Saint Pius X Parish in South Yarmouth. Burial will be private. The family asks that all who attend wear masks. Masks will be provided for all. Due to allergies, we request no flowers. In lieu of flowers, the family would love for you to leave your favorite memory of Luke or message to the family at:

http://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/south-dennis-ma/lucien-cyr-11108905