04/17/2026
Our family here at Boucher Funeral Home, Inc. extends our heartfelt condolences to the family of Fr. Francis A. Roberge, Pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Baldwinville. Over the past few days, we have reflected on the best way to honor and remember Fr. Fran—not only for the role he held, but for the man he was and the countless lives he touched.
A true staple of the Greater Gardner community, Fr. Fran was a warm and comforting presence to so many—whether he was celebrating weekly Mass or guiding families through the difficult journey of honoring a loved one’s life. His compassion, kindness, and steady faith left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
While he became a cherished figure within the community, he also became part of our family here at Boucher Funeral Home, Inc. After being appointed Associate Pastor of the former Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church in the early 1990s, Fr. Fran quickly formed a close friendship with Normand and his family, as well as with Dick Ladeau of the former Snow-Ladeau Funeral Home and his family. Their tradition of weekly dinners at the King Philip became a time of fellowship and connection that continued for many years.
That bond endured through the years, as Fr. Fran was called upon to celebrate the lives of both Normand and Dick at their passing, and to concelebrate at Andrew’s as well. His presence remained a constant source of comfort and friendship to both the Boucher and Ladeau families long after.
We were blessed with the privilege of having Fr. Fran with us just this past Thursday, as he once again celebrated a life. Prior to the service, he spoke of his hopes for retirement and the simple joys he looked forward to. Though he was not granted that time, Fr. Fran truly lived a life devoted to the Lord, offering unwavering compassion, commitment, and support to the families of the Greater Gardner community.
Fr. Fran often turned to Psalm 23 at funerals—whether in the funeral home or at committal services—reminding all in attendance of its beauty and the deep comfort it brings. It would be remiss not to include it here in his memory:
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want;
he makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies; thou anointest my head with oil, my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Fr. Fran, we will deeply miss your presence and the comfort you brought to so many families, including our own. We are truly grateful to have known you as both a priest and a friend. Rest in eternal peace in Heaven—until we meet again.
Please join the community in celebrating Fr. Fran with service being the following.
Visitation: Sunday, April 19, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. in the St. Vincent de Paul Church, 1 Forest Street, Baldwinville, MA. A Vigil Service to follow at 7:00 p.m. in the church.
Mass of Christian Burial: Monday, April 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in St. Vincent de Paul Church, 1 Forest Street, Baldwinville, MA.
Burial: Worcester County Memorial Park, 217 Richards Avenue, Paxton, MA.
Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Church, PO Box 14, Baldwinville, MA 01436. Please reference in memory of Fr. Francis Roberge.
Please see the attached obituary from Cebula Funeral Home, Inc., in Ware, MA, who is handling his services.
Celebrate the life of Rev. Fr. Francis Roberge and join others in sharing memories, stories, and condolences.