For Rocky Conrad, assistant superintendent of the historic Charles Evans Cemetery located in the heart of Reading, his job holds a great deal of sentiment going back to childhood memories. “My father was the grounds foreman and did basically what I do now. We lived on the 5th street side of the cemetery, in what is considered the cottage. As a young boy I played a lot in the cemetery and in Riverside where my grandfather lived. We had our share of rules, but mainly, you got yourself home before dark.” Growing up in a cemetery may seem a bit off-putting for some kids, but not for Rocky. “It was different, but it was normal for us; it was a way of life. We did our share of sledding here, and over at Keffer Park in Riverside. I went to 5th and Spring and Riverside Elementary, both of which were close by.”
2026 will mark 24 years that Rocky has dealt with the challenges of managing the 120-acre property along with Superintendent Michael Nally and their staff. “Our biggest challenge is keeping on top of things and making sure maintenance issues for each season are being addressed. Winter months are difficult, staying on top of the leaf clean up and getting it done with snow putting a damper on things. Outside of the extensive maintenance that is required, there is the interaction we have with families. Making it easier for the families that we come in contact with is the most rewarding aspect of my job.”
Rocky has lived on the cemetery grounds for the past 14 years. What is it like to live on the cemetery grounds once again? “To me it’s like second nature; I grew up around here, so living here a second time isn’t much different. We live in the Main House called the Little Mansion located along Centre Avenue. If anything happens on the property, I go out and take care of things and if there is a problem on the grounds, I handle those things as well.”
Charles Evans is indeed a hidden gem in the community of Reading, and Rocky shares this view with those who work to care for it, valuing its beauty and historical relevance. “I consider Charles Evans an asset to Reading. There are a lot of people who don’t know about it, or have never been here. It is nice to see their reaction when they do discover it and realize the size and the number of people laid to rest here.”
Charles Evans Cemetery was designated a National Level I Arboretum in the summer of 2025. The Charles Evans Memorial Arboretum under the direction of Urban Forester and Curator, Mark McLaughlin has acquired the accreditation for Charles Evans which has been the culmination of 20 years of his work as a consultant for oversight and management of the tree population. Over this period of time the health and beauty of the tree canopy has improved to be an impressive example of an urban forest and will serve to foster an appreciation for trees and the environment through the development of the arboretum program. “Rocky’s knowledge of the structural aspects of the property and the trees has played an important role in the establishment of the newly accredited arboretum,” says McLaughlin. “His attention to detail throughout the cemetery has helped a lot in establishing the arboretum. I look forward to working together with him and the staff to create a crown jewel of arboriculture in the heart of Reading.” Rocky has enjoyed the new emphasis on becoming an arboretum. “I think that it is a really good thing, and once the word gets out it will become a big thing for the surrounding area.”
One of Rocky’s personal hobbies has taken on more significance since the arboretum designation and meshes well with the focus on trees. “About six years ago I took a class with my granddaughter Amiliya, learning the art of bonsai. I stuck with it, and I’ve learned a lot along the way. There is a bit more involved with caring for them. Bonsai means a tree in a pot; your soils must be well drained, and you have to keep an eye on them. I’ve lost my share along the way. Most of my trees are outdoor trees. Right now I have about eight, and I expect to have doubled that number when we do transplanting later in the year.” Since October 2025, Rocky is teaching classes on Bonsai with Riverview Nursery. “I started after the owner and her two associates encouraged me to start teaching. I was nervous about my first class, but I have to say, it was more fun than I thought it would be. We will be planning others in 2026, and I may look at doing something with tropicals. For class schedules, check their website at www.riverviewtree.com and click on the upper right-hand corner and click on events.
