Gary Stanford Rogers

1947 - 2025

Gary Stanford Rogers

Montpelier, VT - Gary Stanford Rogers, 78, died at his home in Montpelier, VT on the morning of November 26th, 2025. He was born on Nov. 11th, 1947, in Randolph, VT, to parents Stanley H. Rogers and Anita B. Nichols. He grew up on a farm in Tunbridge, where he and his brothers learned the importance of hard work, hard play, and family values.

Gary attended grade school in Tunbridge, and then high school in South Royalton, where he graduated as Salutatorian. It was at high school in South Royalton that Gary met the love of his life, Anita Joan Wood, and they were married on July 26th, 1969.

Gary attended the University of Vermont, where he majored in Civil Engineering. Being an engineer was always a source of pride for Gary, and he always wore his Order of the Engineer ring.

After college, Gary served in the United States Army and completed Field Artillery Officer's Basic Training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and then was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas (1st Battalion, 3rd Artillery). He also did a tour of duty in Vietnam (1st Cavalry Division).

Gary moved to Montpelier in 1972 and lived there with Anita for the rest of his life. During that time, Gary had a long and successful career with the Vermont Agency of Transportation, where he worked in Structures Design for over 34 years. He retired at the end of March 2004, after designing many bridges and making a profound impact on those he worked with and mentored.

Gary loved sports, especially baseball, and enjoyed coaching and umpiring Farm League, Little League and Babe Ruth baseball for over 12 years. He also served on the Montpelier Recreation Board. He loved to play softball during the summer (prior to retirement) and enjoyed bowling in a league in the winter. And he enjoyed listening to or watching the Red Sox.

Faith was important to Gary, and he regularly attended and volunteered at Bethany United Church of Christ in Montpelier, where he served on various boards over the years including Deacons, Pastoral Relations, Stewards and the Property Team. He regularly participated in Bethany Bowl and other church events to help those in need.

One of his favorite places to spend time was the family camp at Lake Carmi, which he helped build with his father-in-law. He enjoyed fishing, going for walks along the camp road, napping and puttering. But perhaps his favorite activities were tending the campfire and going kayaking with Anita to watch the wildlife.

Gary was kind, thoughtful, intelligent, hardworking and dependable. He believed that if you decided to do something, it was worth doing right the first time. He greatly enjoyed spending time those he loved, whether it was a game of "roll 'em" with his mother, a get together with his four brothers and their families, a board game with good friends, or time at camp with Anita and the boys.

Gary had a servant's heart and always wanted to lend a helping hand to those in need. In that spirit he joined the Capital City Jaycees in Montpelier from 1975 to 1990, and he greatly enjoyed the community service and camaraderie. One time on his walk home from work, an elderly woman who lived alone stopped him on the sidewalk as he passed her house and asked for his help. He went inside and helped her, making sure she was all set before he left. Gary made sure to check in on her often after that, even regularly visiting her in the nursing home when her time got short.

Gary is survived by his wife of 56 years, Anita W. Rogers; his two sons, Scott A. Rogers and wife Tara of Waterbury Center, and Christopher B. Rogers of Morrisville; four grandchildren, Emily, Jared, Hannah and Trevor; three great-grandchildren, Scout, Isla and Scarlett; three brothers, John F. Rogers and wife Carolyn, Michael S. Rogers and wife Beth, and David R. Rogers and wife Valerie; sister-in-law Margaret Rogers; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Robert B. Rogers.

In accordance with Gary's wishes, there will be no calling hours. A service of remembrance will be held at Bethany United Church of Christ in Montpelier, VT on Saturday, December 6th at 1pm. Donations in Gary's memory can be made to Disabled American Veterans or The Nature Conservancy. Or, if you prefer, simply donate your time to help someone in need.

A private message of sympathy for the family can be shared at www.boardwayandcilley.com. The Boardway and Cilley Funeral Home, Chelsea, VT is in charge of arrangements.