Roger H. Vaughan

PRINCETON - Roger H. Vaughan, 104, of Charlton and formerly of Princeton, passed away on April 16, 2024. He was born in Worcester to Howard and Mary (Scannell) Vaughan.

Rogers’ early childhood was a difficult one. At the age of six, his mother’s illness forced him and his three siblings into foster care. After living in six different and difficult home situations, a final placement at age 11 with Mr. and Mrs. Fred Nelson of Worcester brought Roger to a caring and loving family.

Roger attended Commerce High School and graduated from Boys Trade School, both in Worcester. He also furthered his education at Worcester Junior College.

World War II called him into service in 1943. He served 1 1/2 years in Hawaii with the Air Transport Command as a mechanic and 6 months in Guam as a freights transport advisor to the Commander General. Roger was honorably discharged in 1945.

Rogers’ working years found him employed for 3 years at Heald Corporation in Worcester as a draftsman. He next spent 20 years with Wain Roy Corporation in Hubbardston as supervisor of the Engineering Department and finally as shop supervisor at Sandcliff, Inc. in Worcester. He retired from Sandcliff in 1985.

A great love of sports kept Roger actively engaged in skiing, golfing, hiking, swimming, water skiing and bowling. He treasured 40 years of good times with family and friends at his summer cottage in Moultonboro, New Hampshire.

Roger and his wife Elsie married in February 1947 and lived a few years in Worcester before settling permanently in Princeton. After 65 plus years in Princeton and following the death of his beloved wife, Roger made a new home at the Overlook Retirement Community in Charlton. It was a big move to make at the age of 98 but Roger found himself welcomed into a loving and caring community. A special thanks to everyone at the Overlook Community for watching over him and giving him the care he needed during the last few months.

Roger is survived by his daughter Susan, his granddaughter Jessica and his great-granddaughter Lilly. He was predeceased by his wife Elsie (Salmi) Vaughan in 2012, his son Larry Vaughan in 2016 and three siblings Alice, Warren and Kenneth.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, May 9th, at Woodlawn Cemetery, Connor Lane, Princeton. Funeral arrangements are in the care of Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden.

To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit his tribute wall.