Northborough – Cyril Rodgers, 82, died Friday, Dec. 9, 2011 at Beaumont Skilled Nursing Facility in Northborough after a long period of failing health. He was the devoted husband and soulmate of Audrey (Marcroft) Rodgers to whom he was married for 57 years. He was a veteran of the British Army, serving for two years in Singapore.
“Cy,” as he was often called, was born in Rochdale, England, the son of the late James and Florence (Leach) Rodgers. He moved to the United States with his family in 1959,
residing first in Marlborough and later in Paxton and Westborough.
Mr. Rodgers worked for many years as an instrument machinist retiring from the University of Massachusetts Medical School. He was formerly employed at the Worcester Foundation for Experimental Biology. He held a patent and designed and fabricated many specialized instruments for research and clinical use. Surgical tools that he made himself were used in his own life-extending operation in 2001.
He had many talents and was particularly adept at gardening and woodworking. He was a founding member of Marlborough Youth Soccer and will be remembered as a friend to all and a source of wit and great humor. He was a great soccer fan and spent many hours with family, friends and staff at Beaumont watching international matches.
Besides his wife, he is survived by a son, Paul Rodgers and his wife Debra of Wakefield, R.I.; a daughter, Christine Randall and her husband Ron of Marlborough; and four grandchildren, Kevin Randall and his fiancé Amanda Griffin, Brendan Randall, Christopher Sanacore and Hillary Sanacore.
Calling hours will be held Tuesday, Dec. 13, from 5 to 8 p.m., at the William R. Short and Son Funeral Home (www.shortfuneral.com), 95 West Main St., Marlborough. Funeral services will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Our Danny Cancer Fund, 333 South St., Shrewsbury, MA 01545.
