Reverend Richard A. Fortin

Rev. Richard A. Fortin, 91, passed away peacefully in Notre Dame Long Term Care Center on Friday, August 22, 2025, after a period of declining health.

Born and raised in the Grafton Hill section of Worcester, he was the son of Jules F. and Blanche (Reed) Fortin. He graduated from Assumption High School, Class of ’52 and earned his Bachelor of Arts 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, Bishop of Worcester and celebrated his first Mass on June 17, 1962 at St. Joseph’s Church in Worcester, his beloved childhood parish

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

Fr. 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.

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, CO, Michele T. Aubin and husband Gerard, and Marc S. Fortin all of Worcester, Thomas P. Fortin and wife Susan of Lake Elsinore, CA, and Elizabeth F. Hanson and husband Scott of Portage Michigan; grandnephews, grandnieces, one great grandniece, and extended family. He was predeceased by his brothers, Rev. Robert J. Fortin, AA 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.

Fr. Fortin will be received at Our Lady of the Assumption, Millbury, MA on Thursday, August 28, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. A vigil service will be conducted at 7:00 p.m. The funeral will be held on Friday, August 29, at 11:00 a.m. with the Most. Reverend Robert J. McManus as the principal celebrant. The homilist will be Msgr. Francis Scollen. Burial will be in Notre Dame Cemetery, Worcester.

The MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St is honored to assist 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.