Fitchburg, September 10, 2025
News Summary
Raymond T. Fortier, Sr. passed away at the age of 95, marking the end of a life dedicated to sports, community service, and family. Born in New Hampshire, Fortier made significant contributions in Fitchburg, particularly through his involvement at St. Joseph’s Parish and local sports. He enjoyed golf and left behind a loving family, including his wife of 73 years. Services will be held at Isabelle & Anderson Funeral Home and St. Joseph’s Church.
Fitchburg — Raymond T. Fortier, Sr., Longtime Resident and Sportsman, Dies at 95
In a life that read like a hometown legend, Raymond T. Fortier, Sr. passed away on September 7, 2025 at the age of 95, ending a long run that took him from high school locker rooms to mortgage tables and parish halls. He died at the University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, surrounded by family.
From Keene to Fitchburg: a life steeped in sport and service
Born on December 20, 1929, in Keene, New Hampshire, Fortier was one of nine children. He made his mark locally, spending much of his life in the Fitchburg and Leominster area. A graduate of Fitchburg High School in 1949, he was an athlete on both the football and basketball teams — the kind of competitor who later found the quiet green a fitting place for a different kind of precision.
After high school, he continued his studies at Worcester Junior College and, during the Korean Conflict era, attended the Massachusetts Military Academy, graduating in 1952 as a 2nd Lieutenant. He served with the United States Army National Guard for seven years — a chapter that added discipline to the steady leadership he displayed later in community and parish life.
Businessman, parish volunteer, and weekend golfer
Fortier spent more than three decades as a salesman for the Prudential Life Insurance Company, and wrapped up his career with a final stint at IDS Company, retiring in April 1988. Off the clock, he was deeply involved with St. Joseph’s Parish, where he served as a lector, organized retreats, taught CCD, served as a Eucharistic Minister, and helped found the St. Vincent De Paul Society.
He and his wife, Rose, were active in the Cursillo Movement and the Marian Movement of Priests, and he played a role in establishing the Divine Mercy Chapel at St. Camillus, part of St. Bernard’s Parish in Fitchburg. Previously he was a member of local groups including the Knights of Columbus, Wachusett Chess Club, and the Cable Club.
Golf notes: a natural transition from team sports to the course
For golf fans, Fortier’s path is a familiar one — a high-school athlete who found the game later in life and loved it for the same reasons others do: quiet competition, precise mechanics, and time with friends and family on the fairways. He enjoyed golfing and playing tennis, and he traveled often with his wife, bringing that steady, athlete’s temperament to every round. His approach mirrored the veteran player’s mindset: respect the course, play smart, and savor the company.
Family, legacy, and community presence
Fortier’s family life was central. He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Rose (Sala) Fortier; two sons, Alfred Fortier of Holden (with wife Jane) and Thomas Fortier of Concord, NH; and three daughters — Frances Longton of Gardner, Mary Jane Begnoche of North Smithfield, RI, and Rose Marie Casler of Newport Beach, CA. He was a grandfather to seven and a great-grandfather to ten, with another great-grandchild expected in December.
He was preceded in death by several siblings: Robert, Jean Paul, George, Joseph, Jeanette, Yvette, and two sisters named Irene who passed away at a young age. Through all of it, he remained connected to the community — whether organizing parish retreats or quietly helping neighbors through church outreach.
Service details — how to pay respects
Calling hours are scheduled for Thursday, September 11, 2025, from 4:00–7:00 PM at Isabelle & Anderson Funeral Home, located at 316 Clarendon Street, Fitchburg. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Friday, September 12, 2025, at St. Joseph’s Church, 49 Woodland Street, Fitchburg, with interment to follow in the parish cemetery.
Final thoughts from a golf writer’s view
In golf terms, Raymond Fortier played a long, straight game — not flashy, but dependable. From Friday afternoon rounds to community service, he kept his swing compact, his attitude steady, and valued the company of family and friends above all. For local golfers and parishioners alike, his loss is like losing a steady playing partner: someone who kept score quietly, encouraged others, and relished every good shot.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Raymond T. Fortier, Sr. pass away?
He passed away on September 7, 2025, at the age of 95.
Where did he die?
He died at the University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center in Worcester.
What are the arrangements for calling hours and the funeral Mass?
Calling hours are Thursday, September 11, 2025, from 4:00–7:00 PM at Isabelle & Anderson Funeral Home, 316 Clarendon Street, Fitchburg. The funeral Mass is Friday, September 12, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Joseph’s Church, 49 Woodland Street, Fitchburg.
Who survives him?
He is survived by his wife Rose (Sala) Fortier, two sons (Alfred and Thomas), three daughters (Frances, Mary Jane, and Rose Marie), seven grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren, with another expected in December.
Was he involved in community and church activities?
Yes. He was active at St. Joseph’s Parish as a lector, retreat organizer, CCD teacher, Eucharistic minister, and founding member of the St. Vincent De Paul Society. He also helped establish the Divine Mercy Chapel at St. Camillus.
Quick Reference Table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Raymond T. Fortier, Sr. |
| Date of birth | December 20, 1929 |
| Date of death | September 7, 2025 |
| Place of death | UMass Memorial Medical Center, Worcester |
| Calling hours | Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025 — 4:00–7:00 PM at Isabelle & Anderson Funeral Home, 316 Clarendon St., Fitchburg |
| Funeral Mass | Friday, Sept. 12, 2025 — 11:00 AM at St. Joseph’s Church, 49 Woodland St., Fitchburg |
| Interment | Parish cemetery (St. Joseph’s Parish) |
| Survived by | Wife Rose (Sala), 2 sons, 3 daughters, 7 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren (one expected in December) |
| Hobbies | Golf, tennis, traveling, family time |
For those who admired his steady hand on and off the green, this is a moment to remember a local figure who played life with patience, focus, and an eye for the next respectful round.
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Additional Resources
- Sentinel & Enterprise: Raymond T. Fortier, Sr.
- Wikipedia: Raymond Fortier
- Legacy: Marc Giannetti
- Google Search: Raymond Fortier
- Legacy: Gregory Ray
- Google Scholar: Raymond Fortier
- Anderson Funeral: Robert Fortier
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Raymond Fortier
- Legacy: Maria Toro
- Google News: Raymond Fortier
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