Michael George Philip Roper passed away peacefully on August 12, 2023, in his home of 54 years in Dorchester, MA. George was born in Kilbarron, Ballyshannon, County Donegal, Ireland. He emigrated to Boston in 1960. George worked for a time for the Massachusetts Turnpike. Upon leaving the Pike, he accepted a carpenter position at Boston College. It became his second home for the next 42 years, where he rose to the position of Lead Carpenter. During this time, he also became a staunch advocate for his union brothers and sisters who made up the membership of Local 254 of the AFL-CIO. George held positions of Shop Steward and eventually union Vice President.

George had a deep love for Boston College and the wonderful Jesuit Priests and co-workers whom he considered dear friends. That affection was mutual when he received the prestigious Companion of Justice Award from Boston College in 1991, during celebration of the Ignatian Year, having been selected by his friends and colleagues in the BC Community. Not only was he recognized for his “expert craftsmanship,” but additionally, he was seen as, “a man whose Christian ideals and deep belief in justice shine in his life and work, a close companion of Jesus who walks in the footsteps of the Carpenter of Nazareth.”

George was a devout Catholic. He had a deep love for the Lord which was only matched by his love for his beautiful wife Barbara. She was the love of his life and his very best friend. George and Barbara met at the Irish Dances at The Intercolonial on Dudley Street. They wed on October 7, 1961. Married for almost 55 years, they were inseparable. They were blessed with four children, raising their family on Ashmont Hill in Dorchester. For many years, they spent their days attending the school, church, theater, music, and sporting events of their children. They loved antiquing, and George was a passionate fan of antique Fords, particularly Model A cars from the early 1930’s. In their retirement years they travelled, followed the Irish tenor Daniel O’Donnell, hit the Irish Social Club in West Roxbury to dance, and spent time with friends over coffee and tea at the Green Hills in Adams Corner.

George was a loving husband and a devoted father and grandfather to his children and eight grandchildren.

He is survived by his daughter Ann Roper and her partner Vincent Drago of Canton; sons George and his wife Kathleen of E. Bridgewater, Sean and his wife Kristen of Quincy, Michael and his wife Jodie of Quincy and his beloved grandchildren; Caroline and her husband Devon Forsythe, Cormac, Anya and Eamon Roper; John and James Roper; Liam and Kinslee Roper. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Mary Roper, his niece Colette Roper and nephew Brian Roper, all of Kilbaron, Ballyshannon, his nephew John Roper of Sydney, Australia and nephew Paul Roper of Norwell, MA. He was preceded in death by his wife Catherina Barbara (Murphy) Roper, his parents, George and Bridget, brother Patrick John (PJ), sister Martha and his grandson Matthew Roper. In addition to his family, he is survived by so many friends and neighbors, and he will be sorely missed by Boston College and the Boston Irish community.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Gregory’s Church, Dorchester, MA Friday, August 18th at 10:00 am. Visiting Hours in the Dolan Funeral Home, 460 Granite Avenue, East Milton on Thursday 4:00-7:00pm. Interment Cedar Grove Cemetery. If desired, contributions may be sent in his wife Barbara Roper’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, 4780 Pleasant St., Watertown, MA 02472.