1932 - 2024
Visitation
November 14, 20248:30-10:30 AM
Dolan Funeral Home
Funeral
November 14, 202411:30 AM
St. Williams Church in Tewksbury, MA
In Loving Memory of Richard Fortier
Richard Fortier, beloved husband, devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully at High Pointe Hospice House on November 8, 2024, at the age of 92, surrounded by family. A man of deep faith, Richard dedicated his life to serving God, his family, and his community, touching countless lives with his kindness and compassion.
Born on April 25, 1932, in Lowell, MA, to Alderic and Lillian Fortier, Richard was the youngest brother to Wilfred and Arthur Fortier, who preceded him in passing. He was the adored husband of the late Cecile (Belanger) Fortier, with whom he shared sixty-seven years of love and marriage. Richard had a lifelong passion for music, and as a talented organist, he served Saint Peter’s Church and Notre Dame de Lourdes in Lowell, MA, filling the sanctuary with music for many years. He dedicated most of his career to Lowell Organ Service, traveling all around New England to serve clients with dedication and care. He also owned several businesses and was passionate about mentoring others, always eager to share his wisdom and experiences.
Richard was a long-time member of the Lafayette and Kiwanis Clubs and was actively involved in community service with Cecile by his side. Together, they made a profound impact, working tirelessly to uplift and support those in need. His dedication to his community was a true testament to his generous spirit.
A devoted family man, Richard and Cecile raised nine children, filling their home with love, faith, and laughter. Affectionately known as “Pepérè” by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he took immense pride in his role as a father and in his ever-growing family. Summers spent on Cape Cod were among his happiest moments, where he relished the chance to unwind by the shore, enjoy a well-made cocktail, and watch the sunset surrounded by family.
Richard’s legacy will live on in the many lives he touched. He will be remembered for his steadfast faith, dedication to family, and commitment to kindness.
He joins his wife, Cecile, in eternal rest and leaves behind his children: Bob and Sue (Turgeon) Fortier, Sue and Demos Agiomavritis, Denise and Steve Jezak, Paul and Kathleen Fortier, Gerry and Debbie Fortier, Richard and Dee Dee Fortier, Don Fortier and Carolyn Bacon, Celeste and Chris Santos, and Monique and Tom Casey; his cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and friends and countless nieces and nephews who will forever hold his memory close.
Calling hours will be held on November 14, 2024, from 8:30-10:30 am at Dolan Funeral Home in Chelmsford, MA, with a Catholic Mass to follow at 11:30 am at Saint Williams Church in Tewksbury, MA. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the High Pointe Hospice House of Haverhill, MA, or a charity of your choice in his honor.
Linda Sheltry
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Thinking of you and wishing you peace
now and in the days ahead,
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Susan Borrelli
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Bob and family , I am so sorry to hear of your Dads passing. May he rest in peace. 🙏
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Bob Hutchinson
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Don & family,
So sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. Sending my condolences to you & your family.
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Diane and Peter Dion
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Our thoughts are with you today. your Dad will be missed. He raised a great family. May he rest in peace.
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Theresa O’Beirne Barr
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My condolences to the Fortier family. Great memories of a wonderful man! 🕊️
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Donna Spatola
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Sorry for your loss Bob and family. May he rest in eternal peace.
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Jill pimentel
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Sue and bob so sorry for your loss my condolences to you and your family
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Lynnda Ignacio
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Bob, Sue and Denise our deepest condolences.
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Paul King
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So sorry for your loss thoughts and prayers Bob and family
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Anne Dooney
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Don
My thoughts and condolences to you and your family
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Phil Monat
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Bob, my prayers for you and your family. He sounds like a great Dad and father reading this obituary.
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Michelle DeMatteo
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Bob, my deepest sympathy to you and all your family. His tribute shows how caring and giving he was. May he rest in peace.
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John Robinson
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Don
Our thoughts and condolences to you and your family.
John & Jenny
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Raymond WELCOME
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Bob, and the entire Fortier family. I want to express my deepest condolences for the loss of your father. He was a wonderful man that had a wonderful family. I’ve always had the upmost respect for the Fortier’s. One of the many French Canadian families in Lowell, Massachusetts. Your dad was a well respected man. May he rest in heaven with your mother forever.
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Regis Jussaume
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Words cannot address the kindness that radiated from this family. The organ @ full volume to welcome him home with Cecile.
Rest in peace
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Fran and Jan
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Dear Gerry ,Debbie, and Family, We are so sorry for your loss. Never having met your dad, (although we saw him on your deck enjoying the views of nature and watching his family on the beach) , and knowing you and many of your family, we see what a wonderful father he must have been . His memory and legacy will live on in your hearts. Love, Jan and Fran
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Elena Mancipe
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Don and family, so sorry for your loss. May he rest in eternal peace.
Jim, Elena, Andres.
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Dave Sterpka
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So sorry for your loss.
Dave
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Carol McSweeney & Fred Lockhart
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With our deepest sympathy on the loss of such a loving and caring man. I always enjoyed sitting on Celete & Chris’s trailer talking with your Dad. May he rest in peace and enjoy the time again with your Mom. Our love to the family. Love Carol & Fred
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Doris (O’Beirne) Briere
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To all the Fortier kids, I am so sorry for your loss. Such great memories growing up at your house in the Highlands. Keeping you all in my heart and prayers.
Love & Condolences,
Doris (O’Beirne) Briere
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