Obituary

Roger R. Fortin, 88, passed away peacefully in the Jewish Healthcare Center on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, after a period of declining health.

Roger was born and raised in Worcester and was educated at Assumption High School, Class of ‘53. He was the son of the late Jules F. and R. Blanche (Reed) Fortin.

A man of faith, Roger was a devout Catholic and a long-time parishioner of Holy Family Parish, St. Joseph Church in Worcester. He served the church in many ways throughout his entire life as altar server, lector, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, and composer of the weekly Prayer of the Faithful.

Roger was a licensed electrician, but was skilled in many trades. Coming from very humble beginnings, he had a strong desire to help people by sharing his talents. He demonstrated outstanding craftsmanship in every project he undertook and would perform the work at little to no cost to friends and family. After retirement as stockroom manager from Ostrow Electric Company, he and his twin brother Ronald continued to offer their services to any and all who were in need of help with small projects.

Roger was deeply committed to his wife and family. He was proud of his children and always put their needs ahead of his. As a Pepere, he was his grandchildren’s biggest fan. In addition to countless rides to and from school, he was always eager to provide transportation to their numerous practices and sporting events. No venue was too far and cheering on his grandchildren from the sidelines was one of his greatest joys.

Roger always enjoyed a good joke and kept his sense of humor up until his final day.

Roger is survived by his wife of 63 years, Lorraine M. (Sawyer) Fortin; children, David R. Fortin and wife, Linda of Bellvue, CO, Michele T. Aubin and husband, Gerard, and Marc S. Fortin all of Worcester; grandchildren, Austin R. Fortin, Dalton J. Fortin, and Amy K. (Fortin) Nix; Jessica L. (Aubin) LeVasseur, Jordan T. Aubin, and Jared M. Aubin; great granddaughter, Iris Nix; brother, Rev. Richard A. Fortin, retired pastor of Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in Millbury, of Leicester; nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers, Rev. Robert J. Fortin, AA, and his best friend and twin Ronald B. Fortin.

The family would like to thank all the compassionate staff, from the front desk to the 5th floor, at the Jewish Healthcare Center who lovingly cared for Roger like he was family. They appreciated the “boss’s” antics, enjoyed his endless jokes, and thankfully dodged his failed attempts to trip them as they passed by.

Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family Wednesday, December 20th from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. in O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue. His funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, December 21st at 10:00 a.m. in St. Joseph’s Church, Holy Family Parish, 35 Hamilton Street. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. Joseph and St. Stephen Parish, 355 Grafton Street, Worcester, MA 01604.

Directions to Funeral Home