Rev. Francis A. Roberge

The staff at Mack Family Funeral Homes would like to express our sincere appreciation to Fr. Fran for his unwavering willingness to assist the families we serve with the utmost care, compassion, and empathy. His presence brought comfort during life’s most difficult moments, and his genuine kindness touched all who had the privilege of working with him.

We will miss him dearly and will remember him always, with deep gratitude for the care and dedication he so freely gave.

As a tribute to his life and legacy, we are honored to share his beautiful obituary on our website, so that others may reflect on and celebrate the impact he had on our community.

BALDWINVILLE - Rev. Francis A. Roberge, 74, Pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Baldwinville, passed away in the rectory on Sunday, April 12, 2026.

He was born on December 20, 1951, in Worcester to the late Lucien and Marie Jeanne (St. Onge) Roberge. Growing up, he was a member of St. Joseph Parish in Worcester, where he attended St. Joseph Elementary School. He graduated from Holy Name Central Catholic High School in 1969 and from Assumption College in 1973, where he received his bachelor’s degree in psychology. He received a master’s degree in pastoral counseling and a Master of Divinity degree from St. John’s University, Jamaica, New York, in 1978. He was ordained on May 18, 1978, at the Passionist Monastery in Jamaica, New York, by Bishop Francis Mugavero of Brooklyn.

After ordination, he served as associate pastor of St. Gabriel Parish in Brighton. He then served as associate retreat director and retreat director of Holy Family Retreat Center in Farmington, Connecticut. In the Worcester Diocese, he was associate pastor at St. Cecilia Parish in Leominster, St. Mary Parish in Jefferson, and Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish in Gardner. In 1994, he was named temporary administrator at St. Edward the Confessor Parish in Westminster, where he remained until he was assigned as campus minister and chaplain at Worcester State College in 1997, with residence at Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in West Boylston. He was named chaplain at Anna Maria College in Paxton in 2004. He was named pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Baldwinville, and St. Martin Parish, Otter River, on June 25, 2005. He served as pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Winchendon until 2011, while remaining pastor of St. Vincent de Paul, where he served until his death.

Fr. Fran was a faithful servant of God who dedicated his life to his parish community with humility, compassion, and unwavering devotion. His presence among us was a source of comfort, guidance, and strength. He touched countless lives through his ministry, kindness, and acts of compassion, especially for those who were mourning the loss of a loved one. He was especially honored when asked to be a Celebrant at any Veteran burials at the Massachusetts Veterans Cemetery. His sudden loss leaves a profound void in his parish family. We mourn together in faith, trusting in the promise of eternal life and the loving mercy of God.

Fr. Fran is survived by his sister-in-law, Dianne (Lucason) Roberge; his nephews and nieces, Michael Roberge, Stephen Roberge, Denise Germain, Nicole Polidore; and his many friends and parishioners at St. Vincent de Paul.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Richard Roberge.

Father Roberge will lie in honor in St. Vincent de Paul Church on Sunday, April 19, from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. A Vigil service will be held in the church at 7:00 p.m. A concelebrated Mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday, April 20, at 11:00 A.M. in St. Vincent de Paul Church, 1 Forest Street, Baldwinville. The Most Reverend Robert J. McManus, Bishop of Worcester, will be the principal celebrant. Burial will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Church, PO Box 14, Baldwinville, MA 01436.