Philip I Rogers

Phil was born in New York City to Ann (Skubik) and Philip Rogers, Sr. on November 21, 1938. He is survived by his three daughters, Ann-Marie (William) Bell, Maureen Rogers, and Patricia (Paul) Cronenberg, and six grandsons: Brian Bell, Brendan (Sarah) Bell, Cade (Bianca) Muckle, Logan Muckle, Cory Muckle, and Michael Cronenberg. He is also survived by two great-grandchildren, Nate Bell and Ava Muckle.Phil retired at the age of 50 from the City of Middletown Public Works Department, where he plowed snow and drove the street sweeper – even at work, his focus was fixed on making things easier for others. In his retirement, never one to sit still, he worked a second career at Masonicare in Wallingford before retiring for a second and final time.Phil was an avid Yankees fan, proud American, and devout Catholic. Sports, baseball especially, and sports trivia were the topics of many conversations – often over multiple cups of black coffee – and if his personal philosophy could be distilled into three words it would be “Made in America.” His faith sustained him through the most challenging of times and he had a particular devotion to the Blessed Mother, for whose intercession he prayed daily when he would say the rosary.More than anything else, “Grampy” – as he was best known – loved spending time with his grandsons. It was with them that he would travel across the country that he loved, visiting as many ballparks as possible. In addition, every year the Fall fair season in particular was an opportunity to spend time with them. There wasn’t a sporting event, school play, graduation, or any life event that his grandchildren couldn’t look into the crowd and see Grampy beaming with pride.His daughters and grandsons knew he was always there for them. He could always be counted on to help anytime he was needed.Calling hours will be at Biega’s Funeral Home in Middletown on March 13th at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at his home parish, St. Mary of Czestochowa (79 South Main St.), at 11:30 with interment to follow at St. John Cemetery where he will be laid to rest with his parents. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Xavier High School, 181 Randolph Road, Middletown, CT 06457, or online at www.xavierhighschool.org/app/pages/Give.