John Joseph St. Germaine, 71, of East Haven, died peacefully Aug. 7 at Branford Hills Health Care Center. He was born Feb. 12, 1942 in Wareham, Massachusetts to the late Doris (Nichols) Boudreau and Walter St. Germaine.

John was a kind and honorable man who befriended everyone he met. He owned, operated and managed numerous restaurants in the New Haven area, some of which were Little John’s, John’s Ferry Street Restaurant, and The Skillet. He also operated Better Eatin’ and Jane’s Place of East Haven. Patrons who frequented his restaurant became treasured friends over the years. He also worked for many years as a cook at the Gan School in New Haven, where students and staff alike enjoyed his meals.

John enjoyed watching John Wayne westerns and old, black-and-white war movies, as well as trips to the casino with his brother Wayne. In years passed, John loved logging many peaceful hours flying his Cessna 150 airplane along the coastline. His favorite thing to do was celebrate special occasions with his family at Lenny’s in Branford.

The family gives heartfelt thanks to the nurses, CPAs, and staff at both the Hamden Hills and Branford Hills healthcare centers for their tender care.

John is survived by his devoted wife Doreen (Martens) St. Germaine of East Haven; his daughters Jessica St. Germaine of Niantic, Jill St. Germaine of Wallingford, and Jacqueline St. Germaine of Branford; his son John St. Germaine, Jr., and his wife Dina of East Haddam; his four grandchildren Emilie St. Germaine Noble and Ashlyn, Gavin, and Skylar St. Germaine. He is also survived by his brothers Wayne St. Germaine of East Haven and Paul Boudreau and his wife Lori of New Hampshire and his sister Doreen Blake and her husband John of Maine.

A memorial service was held Aug. 14 in Christ Church Anglican, Branford. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Recreation Department at Branford Hills Health Care Center or to the East Haven Food Pantry. The Clancy Funeral Home, East Haven, was in charge of arrangements.