Paul Edward Rogers, 82, born in Newport News, Virginia, passed away peacefully on February 23, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. A lifelong Virginian and proud Marine, Paul was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He was also a faithful man of God whose love for the Lord and his fellow man shaped the way he lived. His faith was steady and sincere, and his commitment to his church and community remained central to his identity throughout his life.
Paul honorably served in the United States Marine Corps from September 1961 to September 1967, giving six years of dedicated service. Being a Marine was one of the greatest honors of his life. He carried the principles of honor and loyalty—to his Corps, his country, and his family—with him always. He was deeply proud of his country and truly embodied what it means to be an American. Oorah!
Following his military service, Paul built a long and distinguished career with C&P Telephone Company, later Bell Atlantic, where he worked for over 30 years. After retiring from C&P, he continued his service as a government contractor for more than two decades, using his skills to help manage telecommunications facilities and networks at Fort Monroe, Fort Eustis, and Fort Story.
Paul was the kind of man who noticed the needs of others long before they ever voiced them. Whether a neighbor, a friend, or a stranger, he stepped in without hesitation, offering help with a humility that made his kindness feel effortless. Sacrifice was not something he talked about; it was simply the way he lived.
His courage and selflessness were perhaps most evident on April 21, 1976, during a devastating vehicle accident in Seaford, Virginia. While employed by C&P, Paul and a colleague were working at a job site when a pickup truck collided with a loaded gasoline tanker at a nearby intersection. The collision triggered a massive explosion, with flames and smoke visible for miles. Without hesitation, Paul ran toward the burning wreckage and pulled a young boy from the mangled pickup truck. He passed the boy to his colleague and continued searching beneath the wreckage, where he located and rescued a trapped baby girl. For his bravery, Paul was awarded the Theodore N. Vail Silver Medal, one of the highest honors presented by the C&P Telephone Company. Paul seldom spoke of that day, believing that helping those in need was a duty, not a deed deserving praise.
Paul remained active and engaged with his neighbors, church family, and community throughout his life. While working for C&P he trained as a volunteer Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and, most recently, graduated from the York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Citizen Academy. He was eagerly anticipating joining the Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) program, continuing his lifelong dedication to supporting and protecting his community.
Above all else, Paul loved his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Janice Rogers; his daughters, Melanie Tyree and her husband, Christopher, Olivia Morris and her husband, Gregory, and Jamie McRae and her husband, Joshua; and his cherished grandchildren, Gabrielle, Erin, Anjelica, Jack, and Journey. He is also survived by his brother, Michael Poplawski and his wife, Terry, and his sister, Ann Jackson and her husband, Jimmy, along with many nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his two faithful canine companions, C4 and Fiona.
Paul found great joy in the simple and meaningful things in life. He loved fishing, especially surf fishing in the Outer Banks. He took pride in caring for his yard and garden, where his “two green thumbs” seemed to make everything grow. He enjoyed raising chickens, spending time with his dogs, and working with his hands—always building, repairing, and creating with skill and care. He was known for his sharp wit, playful sense of humor, and his love of good-natured ribbing. A lifelong Washington Redskins fan (nobody is perfect)!, he remained loyal through every season.
Paul lived with courage, integrity, laughter, and love woven into the fabric of his days. He served his country, cared for those around him, and shaped a life anchored in faith, family, and purpose.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either Denbigh Christian Church or the Peninsula Rescue Mission.
