Joseph W. Rogers, 91, retired paper company executive

Joseph W. Rogers, 91, of Bryn Mawr, a retired paper company executive, died Friday, March 10, of lung cancer at his home.

Mr. Rogers started his career in 1951 with the Oxford Paper Co. in New York and learned the business in part by making pulp in a company paper mill on the Androscoggin River in Rumford, Maine. He worked as a manager for another paper maker until 1990, when it was acquired by the Weyerhaeuser Co. At his retirement, he was an executive vice president of paper sales for the major producer of paper pulp and softwood lumber.

"He loved it," said his son, Keith D. Rogers.

A Philadelphia native, Mr. Rogers was the son of Ellen Ward and Frank Henkels Rogers. He grew up in Wynnewood and graduated from the Haverford School. He served in the Fifth Army Air Corps in the Pacific Theater during World War II. In 1950, he graduated with a degree in economics from the University of Pennsylvania, where he was president of Zeta Psi Fraternity.

An avid hunter, fisherman and golfer (although he said the game frustrated him), Mr. Rogers enjoyed world travel with his wife, Peggy Dagit Rogers. He also loved spending time at the Jersey Shore and in the Poconos.

"However, he was foremost a permanent fan of his children and grandchildren," said his family in a tribute.

He was active in the Valley Forge Chapter of Sons of the American Revolution and was a member of Germantown Cricket Club, Merion Cricket Club, Pine Hill Golf Club, Atlantic City Country Club, Phoenixville Golf Club, and Glenhardie Country Club in Wayne.

Mr. Rogers told family he was particularly proud of his Philadelphia heritage as the grandson of John I. Rogers, a part-owner of the Phillies from 1883 to 1899 and a majority owner from 1899 to 1903.  He told family that his Mennonite ancestors had helped to establish Ursinus College.

Besides his son and his wife of 64 years, he is survived by children Mimi R. Metzbower, Ellen R., Joseph W. Jr., Frank H., and Paul H., and 15 grandchildren.

A visitation starting at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 16, will be followed by an 11 a.m. Funeral Mass at Our Mother of Good Counsel Church, 31 Pennswood Rd., Bryn Mawr. Interment will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 18, at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Philadelphia.

Donations may be made to Main Line Home Care & Hospice, 240 N. Radnor Chester Rd., Radnor, Pa. 19087.