Dr. Roger Joseph Boulay

Dr. Roger Joseph Boulay passed away on March 10, 2026, at the age of 97. Born on July 3, 1928, in Fall River, Massachusetts, Roger lived a life defined by a deep joy for learning and an unwavering commitment to the care of others. He often spoke with gratitude of the hard-working parents, loving family, dear friends, and caring teachers who opened doors for him throughout his life.

An honors graduate of BMC Durfee High School, Roger attended Tufts University on a scholarship, earning a degree in Biology magna cum laude. He served proudly in the US Navy as a Lieutenant Junior Grade and Communications Officer to the Admiral of the Fleet from 1950 to 1953. His time aboard the USS Basilone took him to dozens of countries across Europe, Africa, and Latin America, where he met figures including Marshal Tito, the King and Queen of Greece, and Lord Mountbatten. This experience instilled in him a lifelong passion for travel and history.

After his naval service, Roger graduated from Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons and completed his residency at the University of Rochester, where he became Chief Medical Resident and later served as Associate Physician and Clinical Professor of Medicine and Psychiatry. He founded the hospital’s first CPR program, established its Rehabilitation Department, created the region’s first hospice program, and developed the Psychiatry in Medicine Service. It was there that he met Susan Jones, the smart and spirited nurse who became his beloved wife. Together they shared more than six decades of marriage, raising four sons and setting an example of devoted partnership and community involvement. Susan passed away in 2017, and Roger cared for her at home with tenderness until the end.

Roger continued teaching and interviewing medical students well into retirement, earning praise from generations of students for his compassionate approach to patient care. His many honors included the AMA’s Humanism in Medicine Award, the Marian Fulsom Award for Home Healthcare, the Edward Mott Award, and the John Romano Award. Above all, he cherished his role as husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his sons Steve (Liz), Marc, Michael, and Peter (Suzette); grandchildren Chloe, Ethan, Thomas, Samantha (Jeff), AJ, Harrison, and Kristina; great-grandchildren Jade, Jackson, and Ocean; and his extended family. He was preceded in death by his wife Susan, his parents, and his siblings Frances, Paul, Joan, and Claire. His family remains deeply grateful for the devoted care provided by Angie, his caregiver and cherished friend in his later years.

Roger will be remembered as a wise, warm, funny, and endlessly caring man whose kindness, humor, and love touched countless lives.