Dave St. Onge, 75, Chief Engineer

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From The Valley Breeze

st-ongeDavid A. St. Onge, 75, of Woonsocket, died June 17, 2022 at home.

David graduated from Woonsocket High School in 1964, and then from Rhode Island School of Electronics. David was the Chief Engineer for WGBH TV Boston, and was a part owner of WNRI radio station. In 1970 he recorded the Boston Pops version of “Sleigh Ride” conducted by Arthur Fiedler, which is still widely played today. David won an Emmy Award for his work editing the children’s show “Zoom”, and was a trustee of the Blackstone Valley Amateur Radio Club.

His funeral will be held Monday, June 27, 2022 beginning with visitation from 9-10:30AM in the Holt Funeral Home, 510 So. Main St., Woonsocket, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11AM in St. Joseph’s Church, 1200 Mendon Rd., Woonsocket. Burial will follow in Precious Blood Cemetery, Rathbun St., Woonsocket. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Tomorrow Fund, RI Hospital Campus, POB Suite 422, 593 Eddy St., Providence, RI 02903.

14 Comments

  1. Paul Solman on July 25, 2022 at 1:40 pm

    Yes, a lovely guy.

  2. Nathaniel S. Johnson on July 18, 2022 at 9:27 pm

    Always a pleasant and helpful fellow

  3. John Rogers on July 1, 2022 at 10:28 am

    Great Boss. Great Guy. Good Friend.

  4. David Crane on July 1, 2022 at 9:56 am

    I was deeply saddened to hear about Dave’s passing. We spent 10 years together at WGBH from 1971-1981 in the Engineering Dept. We did a lot of editing together over those years and were often referred to as the “A Team”. He was a great friend and colleague. Working together was a real pleasure. I’ll always remember the good times we spent together. The memories will always remain. May he rest in peace.

  5. Lo Hartnett on June 30, 2022 at 6:48 pm

    So sad to see colleagues passing on.

    Dave was a treasure. When fund raising got shipped over to 110 Western in early 70’s, I’d enter 125 every morning and pass by engineering. Dave when out of his way to say… ‘HI Lo”… every morning in passing.

    Then about 3-4 months later, after his morning greeting, he suddenly stopped, turned around and said, “Oh, I get it. HIgh Low”. We laughed for years.

    Love that memory and that moment Be at peace Dave.

  6. Dick Heller on June 24, 2022 at 5:39 pm

    It was always a pleasure to work with Dave. He was knowledgeable, helpful and supportive in many ways. RIP.

  7. John Voci on June 24, 2022 at 4:36 pm

    Dave brought so much to engineering and the technical operation of GBH-always with good cheer and a willingness to help.

  8. Claudia Downey on June 24, 2022 at 4:25 pm

    LOVED working with Dave on Pops and Julia!! I’ve thought of him throughout the years. A lovely, funny man!

    Claudia Allyn Downey

  9. Prestone on June 24, 2022 at 3:17 pm

    One of the best of a great crew. Funny and patient; as Chas said a force for the positive.
    I am very sad to read of his passing.

  10. Geoffrey P Miller on June 24, 2022 at 3:16 pm

    I learned so much from Dave. RIP

  11. Jane Pikor on June 24, 2022 at 2:29 pm

    Dave was the best. He never took anything about the job too seriously (he used to say, “after all, we get to do this”), but knew how important his role was in ensuring the success of ‘GBH. I remember asking him to let me climb to the bottom rung of the Needham transmitter tower one day. He couldn’t believe I wanted to do it but clapped for me when I made it! Rest in peace, Dave.

  12. Chas Norton on June 24, 2022 at 1:10 pm

    Dave was always a positive force!

  13. Frederick f. Barzyk on June 24, 2022 at 12:30 pm

    A very sad day. David was always there with a smile and a helping hand. One of the true pioneers at WGBH. I am forever grateful that I had a chance to work him and know him. Rest in peace

  14. Stephanie Brown on June 24, 2022 at 12:20 pm

    Good afternoon!

    Thank you, Jay, for keeping the Zoom alumnus, abreast on the lives of those who impacted the show.

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