Obituary of Girard "Rocky" Fortin

Girard “Rocky” Fortin, 87, of North Reading, formerly of Burlington, a much-beloved teacher, passed away after an extended illness on March 15, 2025.

Rocky was born in Boston to John and Bertha Fortin and grew up in South Boston and Charlestown. He was a proud 1955 graduate of Matignon High School and went on to earn a degree in economics from Boston College in 1960. He later earned his master’s degree from Boston State.

Rocky had a long and distinguished career in education. He began his teaching journey at Mission Church High School in Roxbury, where he taught English. He then spent two years at Northeastern Junior High School in Somerville, teaching English and Science while also serving as the assistant baseball coach. He later moved to Don Bosco Tech, where he taught English, coached freshman football, and chaired the Glee Club.

The final chapter of his career spanned 30 years at Catholic Memorial High School, where he taught Honors English, served as the Faculty Manager of Athletics and Intramural Hockey, and moderated the Father’s Club. He was also honored with the prestigious Harvard Book Award for outstanding teaching. Rocky was one of those rare teachers who made a lasting impact on his students' lives. His classes were demanding, yet his engaging and entertaining teaching style made them highly valued by all. He was always available for extra help and relished a good classroom debate. Rocky had an incredible memory and could recall students he taught decades earlier. He often made it a point to attend his former students' high school reunions to reconnect and represent his fellow teachers. Nothing made him happier than seeing how his students had grown—whether professionally, as parents, public servants, or even as musicians.

Beyond his work in the classroom, Rocky volunteered for 25 years as the public address announcer for the annual Shriner’s Eastern Massachusetts Football Game, further exemplifying his dedication to service.

A devout man, Rocky was deeply involved in his church and community. He was a longtime member of Saint Margaret Church in Burlington, where he served as an usher and a member of the finance council. He also volunteered with Burlington People Helping People at the food pantry and on the annual Wish Tree. Rocky coached his daughter Michelle’s softball team and participated in the Bridges Program at Memorial Elementary School in Burlington. This program invited seniors to share their experiences and wisdom with students, with the goal of bridging the generation gap—and Rocky was the ideal person for this role.

Rocky was a passionate writer and a strong advocate for his beliefs, often sharing his opinions in well-crafted letters to the editor of the Boston Globe. He was also a proud alumnus of Boston College, grateful for the education and opportunities that institution provided him. A devoted fan of both Boston College football and hockey, he enjoyed following his alma mater’s sports teams.

Rocky’s legacy will endure, not only as a teacher, volunteer, and community member, but as a cherished friend and family man. He had an unparalleled love for people and a gift for storytelling. His life of service, kindness, and love touched many, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Rocky was the beloved husband of 55 years of Judith (Durocher) Fortin.  They were the perfect example of how opposites truly attract.  Rocky the outgoing and gregarious and Judy who quietly got things done.  He was the loving father of Michelle Christine Zabriske who passed in 2015.  He was the father-in-law of Michael Zabriskie of Derry, NH.  He was the proud grandfather of Ashley Croft & her husband Adam of Providence, RI, Michael Zabriskie of Scottsdale, AZ, Jack Zabriskie, Daniel Zabriskie, and Luke Zabriskie all of Derry, NH.  He was the great grandfather of Ember Croft.  Rock was predeceased by his siblings Winifred Trainor and Dennis Fortin.  Rocky was also survived by nieces, nephews, and many friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St Margaret Church in St. Veronica Parish, 111 Winn Street, Burlington on Saturday March 22 at 10 a.m. Services will conclude with an interment in Pine Haven Cemetery in Burlington.  In lieu of flowers, memorials in Rocky’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105 or Shriners Children’s Hospital, www.shrinerschildrens.org, 51 Blossom Street, Boston, MA 02114. 

Arrangements under the direction of the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, Burlington.  For online guestbook and video tribute see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net