Ernest R. "Ernie" Saucier

LEOMINSTER- Ernest Roy Saucier, 96, passed peacefully on May 23, 2024 at Quabbin Valley Healthcare.

“Ernie” was born on April 8, 1928 and lived in Leominster, MA most of his life.

He attended St. Cecilia’s School and St. Bernard’s High School, and upon graduation worked as a bookkeeper at Fort Devens.

In 1946, Ernie enlisted in the U.S. Army, working with officers as a finance clerk in Manila, Philippines to assist with post-WWII efforts before the Peace Treaty.

Upon his return, he visited U.S. National Parks along the way, and studied mathematics and business in Cincinnati, Ohio and at Clark University in Worcester, where he met his wife, Marion. They married on July 4, 1953 and celebrated their 70th anniversary last summer. Together they had three children, two grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. He worked for many years at Ray-o-Vac and Weetabix Companies.

Ernie was a quiet person and lifelong learner who continued his personal studies as an avid reader. He was especially passionate about innovative and sustainable energy solutions, climate change, birds and nature, economics, American and global history, social causes, and political science.

During the 1970s energy crisis, he invented and obtained a U.S. patent for a product, “The Shutter Shade,” a concept to help homeowners conserve energy use while reducing heat loss.

In earlier years, Ernie was ahead of his time and was fond of VW buses, one affectionately named “The Homey Roller,” where he and Marion traveled throughout New England, Montréal, and Northeastern Canada. In retirement, they made several cross-country train trips across the United States, as well.

His final years were spent as a long-term resident at Quabbin Valley Healthcare. The staff adored him and he was the oldest patient in his department. He was appreciative of every act of kindness and was known for occasional funny jokes and expressions.

Ernie will be missed and is survived by daughter Deanna Fitzpatrick and husband Kevin, son Gregory, daughter Annette Ermini and husband James, grandchildren Erin Fitzpatrick Carter, husband Greg, and Katelin Fitzpatrick, and great-grandchildren Kennedy and Benjamin Carter. Ernie also fondly leaves many nieces and nephews and their families.

Ernie is predeceased by his wife, Marion Carole (St. John), father Darius, brothers Bernard, Albert, and Robert, and a younger infant sister with their mother Leda (Filteau).

The family would like to thank the staff at Quabbin Valley Healthcare for their extraordinary care and assistance. May Ernie rest in eternal peace.

Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

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