Northborough – Grenville H. “Bucky” Rogers died peacefully at home in Northborough, MA on November 9.
Born in 1932, the son of John and Ruth Rogers, his early years were spent in humble circumstances during the Depression in communities throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut. When his parents moved to Northborough, MA in the 1940s, Bucky finally found a home for the rest of his life.
Bucky always said his true education came from observing how others performed what they did, and along with his innate curiosity, creative mind, empathy and unswerving positive outlook, his approach enabled him to be successful throughout his life. He enlisted in the Marine Corps and served in the Korean Conflict, rising to the rank of Sergeant. He worked on a commercial shrimp boat after leaving the service, but soon relocated back to Northborough. He and his first wife, Florence E. “Bunny” Ballard, founded Norbro Realty in the 1960s which thrived under their leadership for more than 30 years. He received recognition for his service as President of the Greater Worcester Board of Realtors. During this period, Bucky was a Deacon of Trinity Church in Northborough, through which he created the ecumenical Post High Group to provide spiritual guidance to young adults from the community.
Bucky was a fortunate man when he met and “fell hard for” Ruth P. Webb. In 2010, they were married at Saint Francis Episcopal Church in Holden which they attended. Together they shared wonderful times including daily walks, visits to Tower Hill Botanic Garden, the Berkshires, and discovering old-fashioned diners, among many other activities. Bucky was a terrific cook and it gave him great joy to express his love to Ruth and family with each meal he prepared. He loved his community and was a lifelong member of the Northborough Historical Society. For many years, Bucky could be seen daily walking his grand-dog, Snowy, through the Northborough downtown.
He was avid about everything he chose to do such as horseback riding, golfing, skiing, and sailing. For many years, he enjoyed being a member of the Sandy Bay Yacht Club in Rockport, MA.
He was predeceased by his first wife, Bunny, and his son, Gregory. In addition to Ruth, he is survived by his daughter Bridget Reel (husband Peter Bray) of Brooklyn NY, daughter Brenda Derby (husband Dan) of Northboro, MA, and Ruth’s son the Reverend Sandy Webb (wife Jessica) of Memphis, TN. He is also survived by grandson Nathan Reel (partner Kelly Lloyd) of Farmersville, TX, granddaughter Valerie Lincoln (husband Hamilton “Chip”) of Windham, NH, great grandchildren Will, Alex and Connor Lincoln and Logan Reel, and grand-dog Baylee.
Bucky’s family will receive visitors on Friday November 19th at Trinity Church, 23 Main Street, Northboro, MA from 11:00 AM TO 12:00 PM. All are welcome to stay for Family Remembrances which will be shared in the Sanctuary at 12:15 PM, concluding with military honors. To honor Trinity Church policies face masks are required.
An especially good way to express your love and care for Bucky’s family at this difficult time is to send them letters sharing your stories and memories of Bucky – both touching and funny. Cards and letters can be sent to “Bucky’s Family” at P.O. Box 432, Northboro, MA 01532.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to JHC Hospice, 646 Salisbury Street, Worcester MA 01609; Boros Cares 4 Troops, P.O. Box 304, Northboro, MA 01532; or, GFWC Northboro, Junior Woman’s Club, P.O. Box 81, Northboro, MA 01532.
The Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.
