Andrew E. St. Onge, Jr., age 50, a lifelong resident of Lowell, the City's long time Event-Coordinator, died very unexpectedly late on Thursday, August 28, 2008 at his home. He was the beloved son of Mrs. Cecile (Briere) St. Onge and the late Andrew E. St. Onge, Sr., who died in 1982 of Lowell, and the beloved longtime companion, Rachael Garneau.
He was born in Lowell on March 18, 1958. He attended St. Louis Elementary and graduated from Lowell High School in Bicentennial 1976. Andy went on to further his education initially at Northern Essex Community College, then attended and graduated from Suffolk University with a Bachelors Degree in Business, and a Masters Degree in Teaching.
Andy was employed by the City of Lowell as the City Events Coordinator for the past decade, was in charge of planning many events throughout the city including RiverFest, the Folk Festival and WinterFest. Prior to his employment with the city, he was the former owner of "The Bar Company" and ownership-partner of the former Crunches Health Club at Courthouse Square in Chelmsford.
Passionate about the city where he was born and raised, Andy was very proud to serve the City of Lowell in many capacities including serving on several Boards of Directors throughout the city for many years. He was also a long time member and former manager of the ELKS Club of Lowell, and a long time member of the Lowell YMCA.
Andy loved the outdoors. He especially enjoyed skiing, golfing and hiking, which included many trips to Mt. Washington. He was passionate about playing racquetball and basketball and was an avid bicyclist, having biked across the country. He ran the Boston Marathon and participated in several local road races. He loved to watch the sunset wherever he was.
Andy had a very loving relationship with his family and enjoyed vacationing and playing games together. He officiated (as Justice of the Peace) at the wedding of his niece, Lindsay (St.Onge) Allen. The family credits him with being responsible for the Dedication of Briere Square in Centralville, honoring three generations of his relatives who served in the US Armed Forces. He also cherished his friendships, many of which he maintained from his childhood.
Andy is survived by his loving mother Cecile, and beloved longtime companion and best-friend, Rachael Garneau, with whom he shared his life and their home for many years. He is also survived by a sister and brother-in-law, Cecile (St.Onge) & William Costa of Pelham, NH; two brothers and a sister-in-law, Richard & Christine St. Onge of Chelmsford, and Gerard St. Onge of Lowell; several nieces, Lindsay (St.Onge) Allen and her husband Charles, Christina Costa, Sarah St. Onge, niece and godchild, Melissa Costa, also godson Thomas Briere; two great-nieces, Mariah Marie Rodriguez-Costa, and Adrianna Rose Joyce; he also leaves his godmother, Ruth Lombard, and Rachael's parents, James & Constance Cozy of Dracut; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and numerous friends. He was the godson of the late Fred Lombard.
Relatives and friends will be received at the M. R. LAURIN & SON FUNERAL HOME, 295 Pawtucket St., Lowell on Tuesday, Sept. 2, from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday morning at 10 o'clock at St. Michael's Church on Bridge St. in Lowell. Procession gathering at the Funeral Home at 9am. Interment at St. Joseph Cemetery, Chelmsford.