Shrewsbury – Robert E. “Bob” Fouracre, 83, of Commons Drive, Shrewsbury, died peacefully, with his family at his side, on April 17, 2021 in the Meadows of Leicester.
He leaves his children, Robert E. Fouracre Jr. of Sterling, Steven Fouracre of Westborough, and Elizabeth Fouracre-Anderson and her husband Axel of Northborough; his brothers, John Fouracre and his wife Sandra of Northborough, David and his wife Cheryl of South Dennis, and Donald Fouracre of Sutton; his sister, Patricia Serafin of Vista, Calif.; two grandchildren, Emily Fouracre of Ashland and Connor Anderson of Auburn; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Richard Fouracre, and his sister, Linda Fouracre.
Born in Worcester, he was the son of Simeon and Mary (Gabaree) Fouracre. Bob graduated from Northborugho High School, Cushing Academy, and the Cambridge School of Broadcasting.
Bob’s career in broadcasting spanned over 57 years and was most well known as being “The Voice and The Spirit of Holy Cross Athletics.” Bob covered Holy Cross as a television and radio broadcaster for nearly 50 years from 1970 until 2018. He began as the play-by-play man for WSMW-TV 27, where he announced men’s basketball and football games from 1970-1981. Bob continued to call Crusader men’s basketball games for WXNE-TV 25 from 1982-1985, before moving to radio in 1986.
From 1986-2018, he covered the Holy Cross football, men’s basketball and women’s basketball teams on WTAG 580 AM, WVEI 1440 AM, WWFX 100.1 FM and WNEB 1230 AM. Bob also served as the producer and television host of the Holy Cross Football Show from 1986-1999, and the Holy Cross men’s and women’s basketball coach’s shows from 1995-1999.
In addition to his work at Holy Cross, Bob called Boston Celtics games from 1971-1973, Bay State Bowling from 1970-1981, Big Shot Bowling from 1985-1991 and New England Patriots preseason games in 1971. He also covered games for the Worcester Counts of the WBL in 1989 and the Bay State Bombardiers of the CBA from 1983-1986 and is the only person to ever call games in the NBA, the CBA and the WBL.
Bob’s broadcasting partners included Bob Cousy, Tom Heinsohn, Togo Palazzi, Upton Bell, Gino Cappelletti, Gordie Lockbaum, Ronnie Perry, Tom Kelleher, Mel Massucco, Gary Tanguay and Greg Dickerson.
He was inducted into the Holy Cross Varsity Club Hall of Fame in 2007 and the International Candlepin Bowling Hall of Fame in 2008.
In addition to being known for his broadcasting career, Bob was well known for his sense of humor. He loved to make people laugh and used this gift by emceeing comedy events for various charities.
The family would like to thank The Meadows for their compassionate care of their father, especially his nurse, Tracy.
A celebration of his life will be held at a later date when all can safely attend. The Morin Funeral Home (www.morinfuneralhomes.com), 1131 Main St., Leicester, is assisting the family with Bob’s arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Central MA., 484 Main St., Worcester, MA 01608.
