By Ashley McLeod, Staff Writer
Oct 30, 2015, 16:21
COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The city lost an integral part of its community last Friday with the passing of the former executive director of the Chamber of Commerce, Roger Green.
Green, 64, passed around 11 a.m. on Friday, October 23, after battling cancer for several months.
“Roger was very highly regarded throughout the community in Colonial Heights. He had a huge impact on the city,” said Mayor T. Gregory Kochuba.
Green was born in Scott County, Ind., and attended Eastern Kentucky University, receiving his bachelor’s degree. He then went on to receive a master’s degree from Old Dominion University, as well as an education specialist degree from Virginia Tech.
Green was well known in the community of Colonial Heights. He was previously the principal of Colonial Heights Middle School, and also worked part-time as an adjunct professor at John Tyler Community College.
Following his retirement as principal, Green became involved in the Chamber of Commerce as the executive director. Green was also the vice president of the Membership for the Virginia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives.
“Roger Green was much more than the executive director of the Colonial Heights Chamber. He embodied what the chamber strives to be: innovative, professional, and caring about Colonial Heights and area businesses, but more importantly, the individuals and the people involved in the Chamber,” said Rita Feasenmyer, president of the Colonial Heights Chamber of Commerce.
Feasenmyer worked with Green as a part of the chamber and describes Green as not only a friend but a true inspiration to everyone.
Green was an important part of the organization of the annual Turkey Trot in Colonial Heights. He was also a big supporter of the Colonial Heights Food Pantry.
“The pantry was in need and he was approached in his capacity with the Chamber of Commerce and I just believe he worked tirelessly to make sure the pantry was stocked and the people that needed that had the resources that they needed,” said Dr. Joseph Cox, the superintendent of Colonial Heights Public Schools.
“I had the privilege of working with Roger when he was a principal at Colonial Heights Middle School and I also had an opportunity to work with him as executive director of the Colonial Heights Chamber of Commerce. I just considered him really an extraordinary man who really just led a great life,” said Cox.
Outside of his work and community efforts, Green was also very devoted to his religion. He was a member of the United Methodist Church, and served as a lay leader at Wesley United Methodist Church in Colonial Heights. Green led a group of early risers in bible study every Wednesday morning at 6 a.m. for 14 years.
“He was just a good Christian man,” said Cox. “He was an inspiration in so many areas, but most particularly in that he led a life of Christ, he walked that life, he lived that life, and I think that he was just an inspiration to all of us.”
Green was a part of many organizations while in Colonial Heights. He was a founding member of The ARC – South of the James chapter, participated in the Tri-Cities Workcamp, was a member of the Kiwanis Club, and served on boards for the food pantry, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and the Old Brickhouse Foundation.
“He touched the lives of so many different people in all facets, the school, the church, the community and business. He was a role model, not just to kids but to adults as well,” said Mayor Kochuba.
In his time of knowing Green, Kochuba said he was a highly regarded part of the city and was viewed as a pillar in the community, serving in any way that he could to help out as much as he could.
“He wasn’t afraid to get off the sidelines and participate, whether it was social functions, or activities or events, he was always there to participate or help out in any way that he could,” said Kochuba.
A service for Green was held on Tuesday, Oct. 27, at Colonial Heights Middle School, as well as a memorial for friends at Wesley United Methodist Church.
“We had a great tribute to his life at his funeral. Just the fact the probably around 600 people came is a reflection of the kind of person he was. He made a big impact in whatever area he was involved in,” said Kochuba.
Green passed with his family by his side. Green is survived by his wife Robyn Schaeffer Green and their two children, Zachary Thomas Green and Kathryn McCullough Green.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Wesley United Methodist Church, or to Tri-Cities Workcamp, P.O. Box 1761, Petersburg, VA 23805.
