It’s with great sadness that we share the passing of Roger W. Phelps of Swanzey, NH, formerly of Greenfield, NH. He slipped away peacefully early Sunday morning, July 11th, with family by his side, after battling diabetes for most of his life.
Roger was born September 11, 1936 in Deering, NH to Cyrus R.G. Phelps and Edith (Williams) Phelps of Hillsboro, NH.
He graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1954. He began his law enforcement career in 1958 with the Concord, NH Police Department, Hillsboro Police Department, then the NH State Police. He then entered the Army in 1959, serving with the Military Police until 1962, stationed in Staten Island, NY as well as Larochelle, France.
Roger rejoined the NH State Police in 1964 and was assigned to Troop C where he began raising his family in Fitzwilliam. He was later promoted to Corporal and was transferred to Troop B, moving his family to Greenfield. While serving as a Corporal, he had the honor of driving Governor Peterson. He eventually was promoted to Sergeant and after many years at that rank, retired in 1983.
His hobby through those years was radio and television repair. He started working as a TV repairman at Phelps Photo, a location that was formerly owned by his father. He worked there until 1999 when he fully retired.
Roger was very active in the town of Greenfield. He helped coach the Greenfield Little League for 14 years. He was the town representative to the ConVal School Board for 7 years and served for many years on the town Zoning Board.
He was a member of the St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Keene, NH, where his faith continued to grow. He was also a member of the NH Retired State Troopers Association.
Roger enjoyed playing golf and pool with his friends and was a die-hard Red Sox fan.
Roger leaves behind his wife, Connie, of 58 years, a daughter, Dee Sleeper, a son, Steven Phelps, and his wife Linda, a daughter, Debra Phelps, a son, Chuck, and his wife Sharon, and a son, Shane Ball, and his wife Claudette. He also leaves behind 8 grandchildren who he cherished.
Services will be held at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Keene on Thursday, July 15th. Calling hours will be at the church starting at 10:00 and end promptly at 12:00. The service will immediately follow. There will be a reception at the church hall from 1:00 - 2:30. The burial will take place in a private ceremony, attended only by family and law enforcement.
In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family asks that you make a donation in his name to St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Keene, the NH Retired State Troopers Association (NHRSTA), or the American Diabetes Association.
