Paul Rogers

Paul E. Rogers, 90, of Charlton, noted horticultural educator, passed away on Sunday, July 21, 2019.  His loving wife of sixty-four years, Barbara J. (Pope) Rogers, predeceased him in May 2016.

Paul is survived by four children, Cynthia A. Rogers, with whom he made his home, Betsy R. Landry and her husband Richard of Charlton, Daniel J. Rogers and his wife Justine of Millbury, and Barry A. Rogers and his wife Carolyn of Novelty, OH; and two sisters, Claire Campbell of Medford and Margaret Savage of West Roxbury.  He is also survived by his seven beloved grandchildren, Jill VanBuskirk and her husband Mark, Catherine Rogers and her fiancé Brandon McManus, Kelly Rogers, Kathleen Landry, Margaret Landry, Julianna Rogers, and Isabella Rogers; three cherished great grandchildren, Hannah, Claire, and Olivia VanBuskirk; a niece, Susan Campbell, and six nephews.  He was predeceased by two brothers, John and Joseph Rogers.  

Paul was raised in Medford, son of the late Joseph and Margaret (Kennedy) Rogers.  After graduating from Stockbridge School of Agriculture at UMass Amherst in 1951, he served in the Army Security Agency (ASA) branch of the United States Army, stationed in East Africa.  He and Barbara settled in Charlton sixty-two years ago, when he joined the College of Holy Cross as the superintendent of grounds.  He later earned a Bachelor’s Degree in sociology and psychology from Clark University.  In 1961, he, Barbara, and their young family established a greenhouse business, Stonehedge Gardens.

Focusing on the informational and educational aspects of horticulture, his communication philosophy was to “be kind and have fun.”  For over forty years, he was a popular columnist at the Worcester Telegram, writing “Roots of Wisdom,” and was the host of the Gardener’s Calendar radio show on WTAG.  He also shared his passion for horticulture as a consultant, a frequent lecturer, and an instructor at several institutions including Radcliffe School, Harvard University, and the Arnold Arboretum.  Paul served as president of the Worcester County Horticultural Society, the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, and the Horticultural Club of Boston, the first person to hold all three positions.  He served as a trustee for Tower Hill Botanic Garden and for Old Sturbridge Village, where the herb garden is named in his honor.  In 2008, he was presented with a key to the City of Worcester, honoring a lifetime of achievements in horticulture.   

Calling Hours for Paul will be on Thursday, July 25, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester. 

His Funeral Mass will be on Friday, July 26.  People are invited to proceed directly to the church for a Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. in Saint Joseph Church, 10 H Putnam Road Extension, Charlton, MA.  Interment will follow in Westridge Cemetery, Charlton.

As much as Paul loved flowers, he believed they are better growing in the garden; with that in mind it is suggested that flowers be omitted and instead donations in his memory be made to Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Drive, Boylston, MA 01505 or to Old Sturbridge Village, Attn:  Development Office, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge, MA 01566.