Charles E. Forcier

LAVERY CHARTRAND ALARIO FUNERAL HOME

                                                        Obituary

Gardner:  Charles E. Forcier Jr., 74 of Gardner, MA, passed away at his residence on September 23,2022. He was born May 15,1948 the son of Charles and Marguerite (Piper) Forcier and was currently living in Gardner, MA with his spouse.

Charlie was well known within the community from his experience working and volunteering within the local schools, churches, and the Fitchburg Parks and Recreation Dept. He established the challenger Little League and was the Area Training coordinator for the Massachusetts Special Olympics. For his outstanding contributions and his commitment to enhancing the lives of developmental and intellectually disabled persons, he was the first coach in Massachusetts to be inducted into the Massachusetts Special Olympic Hall of Fame. He had a degree in Human Services for Fitchburg State University.

Charlie was employed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 1980 and was assigned the The ARC in Fitchburg, MA as the Recreation Program Manager. He was also a physical education teacher at many private schools throughout Fitchburg and Leominster. He retired in 2005.

Charlie always enjoyed watching baseball especially the New York Yankees, his favorite team. He was a lover of all animals and was known to try and pet any animal he came in contact with no matter where he was. His most recent dog, Stella, was like a child to him, as were all his previous pets. He would often enjoy going to the casino, playing the lottery and was an avid online poker player. Charlie had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone in need. He will be most remembered for his selflessness and his crazy antics that everyone loved and will dearly miss.

Charlie served his country in the Army during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged.

He is survived by his wife Debra (Debettencourt), who tirelessly and lovingly took care of him throughout the years, his sister Beverly Connors and husband Ronald, his brother–in-law Denis Cormier,daughter Rebecca Rice, granddaughter Lily Rice, several nieces and nephews, and several brothers and sisters-in-law on his wife’s side. He was predeceased by his son Charles at birth, son Rick Hendrickson,grandson Jagen Rice, granddaughter Violet Rice, sister Charlotte Cormier, and brothers William and Joseph Forcier.

Services for Charlie were private and were held at Massachusetts Veteran’s Cemetery, Winchendon, MA where full Military Honors were rendered.

There were no calling hours.