Jonathan E. Roy

FITCHBURG - Jonathan E. “Jon” Roy, 76, a lifetime Fitchburg resident passed away peacefully on April 2, 2025, at Leominster Hospital surrounded by his family after a short illness. Jon was born on September 30, 1948, a son of the late Verne and Margaret “Peg” (Gates) Roy. He was a proud member of Fitchburg High School Class of 1966 where he played basketball. Shortly after his graduation from high school Jon started his career as a mail carrier with the Post Office in Fitchburg- a career which spanned over 40 years to which he was very proud of the amount of sick time that he accumulated. In retirement, Jon worked part-time as a caretaker at Coggshall Park for over 10 years, a job he truly enjoyed- often driving through the park daily.

Jon had a love for sports. He spent countless hours as a teenager playing basketball at Howarth Playground just up the street from his childhood home. He played basketball in the Fitchburg Men’s League for Paul’s Barber Shop and softball for Rollstone Smoke Shop. He started coaching for the Fitchburg Recreation Department Biddy League Basketball at the age of 18 and did so for over 40 years. He also coached baseball in the Fitchburg Eastern Little League and in both capacities he was proud to have coached his two sons and each of his nephews, eventually coaching alongside his older son with Rollstone Fuel Basketball and the Police Association Cardinals Baseball team. He also enjoyed keeping track of his sons coaching with the Monty Tech Football Team. Jon was a volunteer for Fitchburg Pop Warner and the Fitchburg High School Football Booster Club. Jon also enjoyed a good book and was a die-hard Boston Sports Fan starting first with the Boston Celtics dynasty of the 60s, enjoying the New England Patriots with tailgate parties at his house and regularly checking the Red Sox score whether they were on the West Coast on playing on a Sunday afternoon. He also enjoyed vacations at “Camp” in Jaffrey, NH, Hampton Beach and, recently York Beach, ME.

Jon was devoted to his family and survived by his wife Linda (Rocca) Roy which they would have celebrated 52 years of marriage next month. His two sons, Dan and wife Caitlin (FitzPatrick) and Tim and wife Michelle (Felix). His grandchildren, who brought him great joy- Sophia, Logan and Emmitt, a brother Kevin and wife Brenda (Rocca) along with a sister-in-law Denise (Orsini). He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother Jim.

Calling hours will be held at Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Road, Fitchburg on Sunday, April 6, 2025, from 2- 4 pm. 

A funeral mass will be held on Monday, April 7, 2025, at 11:30 am at St. Anthony’s of Padua Church, 84 Salem St., Fitchburg. Burial will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery, Fitchburg.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Friends of Coggshall Park, 718 Main Street, Fitchburg or to the Community Foundation of North Central MA (Friends of Fitchburg Cemeteries), 649 John Fitch Highway, Fitchburg.