Joseph Brewster St. Germain

Joseph Brewster St. Germain passed away on April 11, 2024 at the age of 95.  Born on November 16, 1928 in Springfield, MA he was the son of the late D.J. and Dorothy Himmelmann St. Germain.

While in high school, Brewster became disenchanted with school and his life in Springfield.  He dropped out of the High School of Commerce, ran away to Miami, Florida and, before too long, joined the U. S. Army where he served three years partly in Korea after WWII.  He then enlisted in the USAF and served in Headquarter Squadron, Far East Air Force in Tokyo, Japan until he retired during the Korean War era.

While in the service, Brewster learned the importance of a good education.  Upon his discharge, he completed his studies at the High School of Commerce and went on to earn a bachelor's degree from American International College. Still hungry for more education, he earned an MBA degree from New York University.  While working for a local brokerage house for a year, Brewster realized he wanted to share his high regard for the value of education with others which inspired him to obtain a Master of Education degree from Springfield College.  This led to his twenty-nine year teaching career at East Longmeadow High School (ELHS) in Massachusetts.

At ELHS Brewster was a business education teacher leading the department as Coordinator for Business Education.  He also served as Director of Student and Athletic Funds.  During his time at ELHS, Brewster was a mentor for many students.  He instilled in them his regard for education and military service. Some followed him to degrees in business and subsequent success in that field.  He helped some find a path to other careers.  And, still others found fulfillment in the military.

Following his retirement from ELHS, Brewster and his wife Dorothy moved to Kissimmee, Florida returning to East Longmeadow each summer.  During retirement he volunteered at the Osceola Regional Medical Center in Kissimmee, Meals on Wheels and AARP's Tax Program.  He also applied his mentoring skills as a court appointed guardian for at risk children for the Florida Guardian ad Litem Office.  And, continuing his love of education, substituted within the Osceola County school system.

Brewster enjoyed reading - especially the New York Times, walking through the neighborhood always stopping to chat with anyone he came across and traveling to gardens and historic homes around the country.

Brewster is survived by his devoted wife of 43 years Dorothy (Congdon), his loving daughter Mary-Elizabeth St. Germain, the apple of his eye granddaughter Cassidy Wilke (John) and adored great grandchildren Hayden and Emerson Wilke as well as several nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by siblings Marjorie Haunton, J. Gordon St. Germain, Marion Williams, Nancy Sanders, Dorothy Maxson and Louise Jager.

The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to the caring staff of Rose Lane at All American Assisted Living and the compassionate caregivers and counselors at Masonicare Hospice.

Visiting hours are Tuesday April16 from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Byron Keenan Funeral Home, 1858 Allen Street, Springfield, MA.  Burial will be private in the family plot at Hillcrest Park Cemetery in Springfield, MA.  In lieu of flowers please contribute in Brewster's memory to Masonicare Home Health & Hospice, 110 National Drive, Glastonbury, CT 06033 or to the charity of one’s choice.