Glens Falls – Ralph “Rudy” A. St.Pierre passed away on Sunday, May 5, 2013, date at The Pines Nursing Home in Glens Falls.
Born May 21, 1917, in Hudson Falls, he was the son of the late Adelor and Alice St. Pierre of Glens Falls and Fort Edward. He is also predeceased by twin sister Genevieve and sister Thelma Caputo.
Rudy was especially proud of being a multiple high school record holder, sectional-record holder and a four-time AAU Adirondack champion in Track and Field. His long jump record of 23 feet 3/4 inch set in 1934 still stands at Glens Falls High School. His outdoor mark of 24’1.875″ at Fordham University in 1939 also remains the existing record at that institution.
Rudy set GFHS records in the 100 yard dash, the 220 yard dash, the quarter mile, and the long jump. His 100yd dash mark remained the school record until the 1950’s when it was broken by Dick Edmunds another GFHS Track and Field legend. In 1939, with Rudy as leadoff man, the Fordham relay team established a world indoor record of 3 minutes, 15.2 seconds in the mile relay.
For his numerous athletic achievements in Track and Field Rudy was inducted into the Glens Falls High School Athletic Hall of Fame and the Fordham University Athletic Hall of Fame . His favorite mentors were his college coach, Ambrose Gilligan and high school coach Tommy Allen who was also one of the original inductees into the GFHS Athletic Hall of Fame.
A long-time area resident, Rudy was a fireman for the Glens Falls Fire Department. He subsequently held positions as a brewery supervisor in N.J. where he was also employed as a manufacturing supervisor for the Fedders Corporation.
While he was still at Fordham University, he married his high school sweetheart Pauline Linendoll of Hudson Falls. He and his wife lived a long and happy life together until she passed away in 2001.
Survivors include his daughter Diane and husband Dr.Robert E Jenkins of Longmont CO, son Ralph and wife Theresa of Carmichael CA, grandchildren Heather Jenkins Diedrick of Florence OR, Robert E Jenkins III of St.Petersburg FL, Marc St.Pierre of Roseville CA, Paul St.Pierre of Vacaville CA, Laura St.Pierre Franchini of San Diego CA, as well as five great-grandchildren.
Rudy wished to thank his AHAH aides Kristen, Becky, Susan, Darcy & Anita, Public Health RN’s Shannon and Dorothy, and Dr. Filion’s office for their compassionate care. He was especially grateful to friends Joyce Duffy, David Vallee Jr, and Amy Flinton for their many kindnesses. His family wishes to also express their heartfelt appreciation to Amy for all that she has done for Rudy over the past many years.
Services will be private at Rudy’s request. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Glens Falls High School 15 Quade Street, Glens Falls, NY 12801 or or to Fordham University track Program, C/O Fordham University, Bronx, NY 10458.
Local arrangements are under the direction of the Carleton Funeral home, Inc., 68 Main St., Hudson Falls, NY.
My condolence goes out to the entire St.Pierre family. I’m a senior at Glens Falls and a member of the track team,for the last couple of years I have been competing in the long jump and my best jump is 20’9″ my goal was to try to achieve the improbable mark of 23’3/4″. I personally didn’t know Mr St.Pierre but by chasing a record that has been held since 1934 I feel as if I have always known him.To do this achievement on a dirt track and without having the advanced track spikes that we have today makes his feat a truly incredible mark.Mr. St.Pierre is a inspiration to me and whatever I do now and later down the road in track I owe to him.rest in peace Mr. St Pierre you are the wings on my track spikes.
Rudy is truly a Glens Falls athletic legend. I was honored to know him and to introduce him and summarize his achievements when he was inducted into the GFHS Athletic Hall of Fame in 2007. Rest in peace, Rudy.
Our condolence’s to the St.Pierre family. Both Paulene and Rudy were remarkable people, they will be missed.
My condolences to the St.Pierre family. My father Ted Merrill was GFHS alum and knew Rudy. Although my father was an excellent althelte as well (winning the state 1/4 mile enent in 1939 as a junior then leaving school for the service early,) he always said Rudy was the best athelte this area ever had. He told of how rudy used a spade to dig a small indent in the dirt track for a starting block in the sprint events. My dad saw Rudy a few years back before he passed and they were old high school buds again for a few brief minutes, reminissing about GFHS.
Dianne, Heather, family,
My sincere sympathy for your loss. I hope all is well with everyone. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Fondly, Elise