Robert William Rogers

Robert William Rogers, 82, of Asheville, NC, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 2, 2007, at The Laurels of Summit Ridge. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and a friend to all who knew him. Born on August 16, 1924, Robert was a native of Darien Center, NY and was the son of the late Frank Jay and Ethel Hill Rogers. He was also preceded in death by his loving wife of 45 years, Mary Happ Rogers, of Batavia, NY, and his infant son, Matthew. He trained as a Flight Officer in the Army Air Corps during World War II, studied at Syracuse University, Alfred University, and RIT. He then followed his career path as an electrical engineer for the Singer Controls Division, and resided for many years in Rochester and Auburn, NY. He enjoyed retirement in Fort Pierce, FL with his loving wife, Mary, until her death in 1998, after which he moved to Asheville. Over the years, Robert was active in many community service organizations, and devoted his life to helping others. He was a member of the Catholic Church, Auburn Jaycees, and the Fort Pierce Knights of Columbus. He was an avid sportsman, conservationist, and member of Ducks Unlimited, and enjoyed traveling and spending time with his friends and family. Mr. Rogers is survived by his twin sister, Jean Rogers Kelly and husband Bernard, of Peabody, MA; brother, Donald Jay Rogers and wife Jane, of Tavares, FL; his four children, Pamela Rogers Salomone of Apple Valley, MN, Mark Happ Rogers, of Pompano Beach, FL, Paula Rogers Woody and Marcy Rogers Stamey, both of Asheville;sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Happ Bowers of Fairport, NY and Alice Happ Moulpon and husband Thomas of Fort Pierce, FL; his nine grandchildren, Robert, Christine, Daniel, Matthew, Jonathan, Jeremy, Marshall, Olivia, and Jackson; and many nieces and nephews. A Memorial Mass will be held at 9:30 am Saturday, June 16, 2007 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Batavia NY. Interment will be at Darien Center, NY. The family gives special thanks to the medical staff at the Black Mountain Center and The Laurels of Summit Ridge.