G. Philip Rodgers

G. Philip Rodgers, 82, of Hudson, a well known builder and real estate developer, died peacefully early Thursday morning, March 10, 2011 at St. Joseph Hospital. Born in Nashua on August 25, 1928, he was a son of the late George H. and Ella M. (Landry) Rodgers. A lifelong resident of Hudson, “Phil” was educated in Hudson and Nashua schools. In the mid 1950s Phil and his brother Alvin, founded Rodgers Brothers, building homes and developing residential neighborhoods in the Greater Nashua area. Mr. Rodgers was a Past President of the New Hampshire Home Builders Association and had served as vice president of many community and business associations.

Very active in the Hudson community, Phil was President of the Hudson Chamber of Commerce in 1978, served on the Hudson Planning Board and served 7 terms in the New Hampshire Legislature. A member of the Hudson Lion’s Club for many years, Phil was Lion of the Year in 1975-76; was awarded a Melvin Jones Fellow for his dedicated Humanitarian Service for Lions International and received a life-member award from the Hudson Lions Club. Among the many honors bestowed on him was being named as Citizen of the Year by the Hudson Chamber of Commerce in 1992 and 2007. In 2008, he was the recipient of the Subordinate Grange Community Citizen Award and the Rotary International Community Service Award. He and his brother Al, donated funds to build a new library in Hudson, named in honor of their parents, George H. and Ella M. Rodgers. Also in 2008, Phil received a citation from Gov. John Lynch and was recognized by the NH House of Representatives for being named Hudson Citizen of Year for the gift of the new library. For many years, Phil enjoyed spending 6 months of the year in Cape Coral, Fla., where he loved the picturesque view of the harbor. He also enjoyed yard sales and riding his bike.

Members of his family include his wife, Marion A. (Shepherd) Bouley Rodgers of Hudson; his 5 children and their spouses, Dana and Diana Rodgers of Barnstead, Todd Rodgers and his partner, Ken Hassen of Northfield, Susan and James Gendron of Windham, Cheryl Rodgers and Joseph Pappalardo of Cape Coral, FL and LeeAnn and Steven Middlemiss of Hudson; his former wife, Barbara Rodgers and her significant other, Edwin Lowe of Nashua; 3 step-children and their spouses, John and Cindy Bouley and Paul and Cynthia Bouley all of Hudson and Robin Forrest and Michael Rodonis of Epping; 10 grandchildren, 7 step-grandchildren, 6 great-grandsons, and 5 step-great-grandchildren; 3 brothers and 2 sisters-in-law, Alvin and Betty Rodgers of Windham, Kenneth and Patricia Rodgers of West Springfield, and Joseph Duane Rodgers of Nova Scotia; a sister-in-law, Patricia Rodgers of Kittery, Maine; many nieces, nephews and cousins. Phil was predeceased by a brother, Ronald Rodgers.

SERVICES: Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Tuesday from 1-3 and 6-8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Blessed John XXIII Parish at St. John The Evangelist Church, 27 Library Street, Hudson, Wednesday at 10 a.m. Everyone is invited to gather at the church. Donations may be made in his memory to the George H. and Ella M. Rodgers Memorial Library, 194 Derry Road, Hudson, NH 03051. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneral.com.