Dr. Roger Joseph Boulay

On March 10, 2026, our father, Dr. Roger Joseph Boulay, passed away at the remarkable age of 97.

Born July 3, 1928, in Fall River, Massachusetts, Roger's path through life was marked by a joy for learning and a profound commitment to the care of others. When asked what sparked this journey, Roger never failed to speak of how blessed he had been, crediting his hard-working parents, a loving family, dear friends, and caring teachers for giving him the wonderful opportunities he had in life.

An honors graduate of BMC Durfee High School in Fall River, Roger found his way to Tufts University in 1946 courtesy of good grades, a great guidance counselor, and a scholarship from that same high school. He studied Biology and graduated magna cum laude.

Following Tufts, Roger took a detour to the US Navy, proudly serving as a Lieutenant Junior Grade and Communications Officer to the Admiral of the Fleet from 1950–1953. One day his commanding officer - the Commander of the Sixth Fleet - asked what his plans were for a post-naval career. Having his eye on medical school, but not yet having been accepted, he answered that he might just reenlist and think about becoming a physician later. A few weeks later he received a letter informing him he had been accepted to Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons. Throughout his life he insisted this was all courtesy of the Admiral, who must have had friends in high places at the University.

Roger's naval career remained in his heart his entire life and gave him the bug for traveling and history. While serving on the USS Basilone he traveled to dozens of countries in Europe, Africa, and Latin America and met historical figures ranging from Marshal Tito in Yugoslavia to the King and Queen of Greece and Lord Mountbatten.

Following his naval adventure, Roger embarked on a career in medicine that combined a love of learning with a drive to teach and care for others. Graduating from Columbia, he became a Resident at the University of Rochester in 1957, where he rose to Chief Medical Resident, then Associate Physician and Clinical Professor of Medicine and Psychiatry. At Rochester he started the hospital's first CPR Program, established the Rehabilitation Department, founded the first regional Hospice program and the Psychiatry in Medicine Service - and, most importantly of all, met a smart, sassy nurse named Susan Jones, with whom he found his greatest role as a husband and father.

Following over 60 years at the University and in private practice, Roger - long retired from direct patient care - continued to interview prospective students and to teach a class at the School of Medicine on how to take a patient's history. He was regularly rated a top professor by students 60-plus years younger than him, who found inspiration in the way he taught them to treat patients.

At his retirement party from private practice, many of his patients, their families, and his colleagues stood to share their stories of how Roger's care and compassion was often the one thing that gave people hope in many a challenging situation.

Roger's accolades were many and well-earned, among them the AMA's Humanism in Medicine Award in 2006, the Marian Fulsom Award for the Development of Home Healthcare in 1982, the Edward Mott Award for Distinguished Service to the Medical Profession in 2000, and the John Romano Award in 1999 for his work creating a national model for healthcare for mentally ill patients.

Outside of his career, the greatest joys in Roger's life were made possible through his immense good fortune in meeting and marrying his smart, strong, and beloved wife, Susan. Their partnership became an example to their children of how to be good parents, loving partners, and meaningful members of the community. Until her passing in 2017 they rarely left each other's sides.

One of the most touching things Susan ever said to her children was how profoundly loved and supported their father made her feel, particularly towards the end of her life when, despite significant health issues, he insisted on caring for her at home until she passed.

Roger is survived by his four sons: Steve (Liz), Marc, Michael, and Peter (Suzette); their five cherished grandchildren: Chloe, Ethan, Thomas, Samantha, and AJ; two great-grandchildren: Jade and Jackson his wonderful in-law's David Duval in Fall River and Susan and Greg Jones and Marcia Stafford in Jamestown. He was proceeded in death by his parents, his loving wife Susan and siblings Frances, Paul, Joan and Claire. All will remember Roger as a wise, warm, funny, and endlessly caring presence in their lives.

Roger's family would like to extend special thanks to Angie, his devoted caregiver and cherished friend, whose compassion and kindness brought immense comfort and joy to him in his later years. Her unwavering support will forever be remembered with gratitude.

Though Roger is no longer with us, his legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched - as a doctor, a mentor, a husband, a father, and a grandfather. His kindness, humor, and unwavering love will be deeply missed but fondly remembered.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to two causes close to Roger's heart: WXXI Public Radio and Television, which constantly informed his life with new and wonderful ideas, and the BMC Durfee High School Alumni Association (durfeealumniassociation.com), to help some future student who just needs a leg up to go out into the world and do wonderful things.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.