Editor’s note: I will never forget Tom and the way he lived his life. I did countless stories on his work, but he always wanted to point back to the impact it was making, not take the glory for himself. We need more people like Tom in this world.
PAWTUCKET – Friends and relatives are remembering the late Thomas “Pops” Rogers as a man who never stopped giving his time to making the world around him better.
Best known for his chainsaw wood carvings in Slater Park, Rogers was the creator behind the gnome entrance/fairy doors on the trees within the park. He said repeatedly that his only motivation was to make people smile.
He also put countless volunteer hours into improving Pawtucket’s historic cemeteries to give proper respect to the people who built the city.
Parks and Recreation Director John Blais said he was so sad to hear of his friend’s death on Aug. 23.
“What a guy, really what a wonderful human being,” he said. “A huge loss to friends and the city of Pawtucket.”
Blais said he met Rogers after taking the role of recreation director in Pawtucket 15 years ago, and they immediately became friends. Rogers was someone in the community who put forth so much passion into the city and particularly, Slater Park, said Blais, never with just words, but rolling up his sleeves and making things happen.
In 2019, Blais nominated Rogers to receive the RI Recreation and Parks Step Up to the Plate Award recognizing those who make a significant or lasting impact on parks and recreation in the state. Rogers accepted the award at a surprise event held at Daggett Farm.
The nomination letter read as follows:
“For a number of years, Tom has volunteered his services in making Slater Park a better place. First, it started with the constant care of memorial garden plot by the carousel. Later, Tom requested to regularly clean the monuments of former veterans within the park.
But it wasn’t until 2020 that Tom’s volunteer efforts became noticed and brought joy to Slater Park. Through Tom’s personal generosity and time, he has implemented various attractions within the park that have not only captivated visitors but the media throughout New England as well.”
It added, “He started turning unsightly stumps left throughout the park into beautiful floral centerpieces, chairs and even a chess board.”
“Tom’s works have brought joy to so many people, especially at a time when more people needed the parks in our city for self-care while quarantining. This was evident as we watched the the number of people visiting these various attractions. Whether it is children getting a photo sitting on the chair or the gnome door showing up on various social media circles or on television, people have taken a love for these items. It has made the visit to the park a fun experience.”
“Aside from print media recognition, Tom’s ‘gnome door’ was featured on local television news station WJAR 10 as part of Sam Read’s “Something Good” segment on Thursday, Jan. 14 of this year. It is also featured in the city of Pawtucket’s 2021 calendar for the month of September.”
“During this disruptive and negative time in our history, it was the positive actions of people like Tom who made things a little more bearable. These volunteer acts of kindness could not express a larger gesture of positivity within our community. “
Blais said he will never forget the contributions made by Rogers and the impact he made on others.
According to an obituary from William W. Tripp Funeral Home, Rogers, 71, formerly of Rumford, died on Sunday, Aug. 23.
“Tom lived his life with an open heart. Professionally, he spent decades providing the true New England staples, milk and bread, to thousands of people, and places,” stated the obituary. “Personally, it was his destiny to try and leave things a little better than he found them.”
Rogers volunteered with numerous organizations, including the Historic Old Saint Mary’s Cemetery, Saint Theresa’s Food Pantry, and Slater Park in Pawtucket.
“At Slater Park, he created the newsworthy and beloved “Hobbit Door,” restored the Scallop Shell War Memorial, added flowers and decorations in the most unexpected places, and maintained the beautiful Team Tarro Stone Monument in honor of his late sister Mary, which is located next to the iconic Looff Carousel,” it added. “Tom was a proud and stubborn Irishman, a long-time member of The Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick, Sons of Irish Kings, and the Pawtucket Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, of which he was the grand marshal in 2017.”
It added, “From trout to bass, freshwater to saltwater, Tom loved everything about fishing, especially netting and holding his son Nick’s fish in countless pictures. He also loved sports and was a proud three-time softball champion on the famed “Blue Mules,” sharing his love of the game and skills with his daughter Alisyn. Perhaps the only thing he loved more than fishing and sports was sharing these beloved pastimes with his grandchildren; taking them out fishing, watching them swim, play softball, field hockey, lacrosse, basketball, soccer, tennis, and cheerleading.”
Added the obituary, “Tom’s charisma and laugh was infectious and will be remembered fondly by all who heard it.”
He left a daughter, Alisyn N. Sarianides and her husband, John; a son, Nickolas B. Rogers and his wife, Jennifer; four grandchildren, Marie, Julianna, Michael and Ellianna; three siblings, a brother Stephen Rogers and his wife Nancy, his sisters Nancy LaFleur, Connie Rogers; and his long-time companion, Ellen Dunn. He was the brother of the late John Rogers and Mary Tarro.
Visitation was on Sunday, Aug. 30, immediately followed by a prayer service. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northern Rhode Island would be appreciated. For online condolences or to share memories visit: TrippFuneralHome.com.
To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our flower store.
