Edward J. "Rocky" Troy Jr.

Edward J. “Rocky” Troy Jr. of Fitchburg, MA, formerly of Allston, MA, died at home surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, October 1, 2023, at the age of 90.

Rocky was born in Waltham, MA on June 9, 1933,the son of Edward J. Troy Sr. and Virginia (Hann) Troy.

After graduating from the Boston Trade High School for Boys,Rocky spent four years in the United States Air Force, three of them serving in occupied Germany with Mary Lou where their first child was born. After his honorable discharge from the service,he drove semi-trucks cross country for various trucking companies before driving for the US Postal Service. Rocky had first learned to drive trucks at the age of 12 on a relative’s farm. Rocky was one of the first drivers to deliver the mail from Boston to New York after the Blizzard of 1978. He later moved on to be a customer service representative until his retirement from the US Postal Service. Rocky also attended Newbury College with his brother-in-law, John, where they both shared a lot of laughs and earned an associate degree in business.

Rocky lived and raised his family in Allston before moving to Fitchburg in 1989. He traded the noise of the Beacon Park Rail Yard and students of Boston University for a house in the country where he enjoyed taking care of his large yard, growing vegetables, and bird watching. He was a wonderful caregiver, whether it was his father-in-law, mother-in-law, children or especially his grandchildren. He loved watching the children and always made time to color with them, staying within the lines with unparalleled skill.

Even when he no longer drove trucks, his favorite pastime was driving. He and Mary Lou travelled across the continent four times, never in a rush and always taking time to enjoy this beautiful country. They also spent many days together traveling the back roads of New England on day trips just to see where the road would take them. There was often an ice cream at the end of their journey, and many wonderful restaurants and diners were discovered on these adventures.

Rocky was a loving husband to Mary Lou (Maguire) Troy, his wife of 67 years. He sent her an engagement ring from overseas hidden in aclock as a surprise, telling her to watch for small parts. They were married on New Years Day in 1956. He was a wonderful father to his four children, daughter Linda A Kirrane and her husband Pius of Fitchburg, son Joseph E. Troy and his wife the late Frances of Hull, daughter Laura O’Kane and her husband Timothy of Fitchburg, and daughter Catherine M. Kenneally and her husband James of Leominster. He was also a beloved grandfather, “Bubba”, to twelve grandchildren: Frank, Eddie, Liz, Katie, Sean, Colleen, T.J., Bobby, Shannon, Brenda, Erin and Johnny. Rocky also got to enjoy the love of twelve great grandchildren, the youngest of whom was born this summer.

Rocky is survived by his brother William Troy and his wife Patricia of Tewksbury, sister Virginia Giannelli and her husband Frederick of Harwich, brother-in-law Ailbe Glynn of Allston, and brother Thomas Troy of Bridgewater. He is predeceased by his sister Susan Ledoux and her husband Reginald Ledoux,  sister Katherine Glynn and his daughter-in-law, Frances Troy.

Rocky’s tall, quiet presence will be dearly missed. Now it’s time to finally wash his coffee mug.

Calling hours will be held at the Lavery Chartrand Alario Funeral Home at 99 Summer St, Fitchburg, MA on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, from 10 am until 12 noon, followed by a prayer service. All relatives and friends are welcome to attend. Burial will be held at a later date in the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Winchendon, MA. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to N.E.A.D.S service dogs for veterans programs at PO Box 1100, Princeton, MA 01541 or www.neads.org.

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