Father Richard A. Fortin, 91, retired diocesan priest

Father Richard A. Fortin, 91, passed away peacefully in Notre Dame Long Term Care Center on Friday, Aug. 22 after a period of declining health.

Born and raised in Worcester, he was the son of Jules F. and Blanche (Reed) Fortin. He graduated from Assumption High School in 1952 and earned his bachelor’s degree from Assumption College in 1957.  He completed his novitiate at the University of Quebec in May of 1962. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 16, 1962, by Bishop Bernard J. Flanagan and celebrated his first Mass on June 17, 1962, at St. Joseph’s Church in Worcester, his beloved childhood parish.  

He is survived by his sister-in-law Lorraine M. Fortin of Worcester, his nephews and nieces, David R. Fortin and wife Linda of Bellvue, Colorado, Michele T. Aubin and husband Gerard, and Marc S. Fortin all of Worcester, Thomas P. Fortin and wife Susan of Lake Elsinore, California, and Elizabeth F. Hanson and husband Scott of Portage Michigan; grandnephews, grandnieces, and one great grandniece. He was predeceased by his brothers, Assumptionist Father Robert J. Fortin and twin brothers Roger R. Fortin and Ronald B. Fortin, sister-in-law Norma Fortin, nephews Joseph R. Fortin and James E. Fortin, and niece Patricia M. Fortin.

In his long and varied priestly ministry, Father Fortin served at many parishes in the Diocese of Worcester: St. Mary’s Parish, Spencer; Sacred Heart Academy, Worcester; Notre Dame and St. Anthony parishes, Worcester; Immaculate Conception Parish, Fitchburg; St. Anne Parish, South Ashburnham; St. Paul Parish, Warren; St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, West Warren; and Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, Millbury, where he served as pastor for more than 20 years. In his retirement, he assisted Msgr. Francis J. Scollen at St. Peter Parish, Worcester, and celebrated televised Masses from St. Paul Cathedral.

He remained active in his ministry up until his declining health prevented his full involvement. Visits with his family, friends, and staff always ended with a blessing and his sincere gratitude and thanks for their kindness and time.  

Father Fortin’s devotion included a love for scripture, liturgical music, ministering to the sick, religious education and liturgical worship. He also had a wonderful sense of humor and could entertain captive audiences with endless stories. He was dedicated to his family, attending every milestone event, holiday meals, and proudly officiating or concelebrating sacramental celebrations of his nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. He was generous to a fault, putting others’ needs ahead of his own.

His body will be received at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 10 Waters St., Millbury on Thursday, Aug. 28 from 5 to7 p.m. A vigil service will be at 7 p.m. The funeral Mass will be held on Friday, Aug. 29, at 11 a.m. with Bishop McManus as the principal celebrant. The homilist will be Msgr. Scollen. Burial will be in Notre Dame Cemetery, Worcester.

The MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Partners in Charity, Diocese of Worcester, 49 Elm Street, Worcester, MA 01609.