Robert L. Rogers

Robert “Bobby” Rogers Sr. 84, transitioned on Sunday, August 20, 2017 at the family home on Howard Park Ave in Baltimore MD. Robert was born May 12, 1933 in Baltimore, to Elizabeth and Thomas Rogers Sr. He was raised on Edmondson Ave. During his formative years he attended St. Pius Catholic School. He graduated from Frederick Douglas Senior High School. As a teenager, he worked as a paperboy for the Baltimore Sun Newspaper. Part of his route included the home at 704 Dolphin Street. This was the home where he met and courted his wife-to-be, Gloria Juanita Wheeler. Robert and Gloria were married on May 15, 1954 at St. Pius V Church in Baltimore. The family moved to Groton, Connecticut where he was stationed in the Navy for nearly 18 years. From this union, 5 children were born. In 1950, at the age of 17, after obtaining his high school diploma and with his mother’s blessing, Robert joined the Navy. He enlisted in the naval reserves. He changed over to active service as a Boatswain’s Mate. He was assigned to submarines and initially assigned duties of cooking and cleaning. After a few years cleaning the sub he was invited to the engine room of the sub where he began his career as an engineman. In this position he made repairs and ensured the sub’s diesels engine functioned properly. He qualified, was able to work the main systems of the sub’s operating systems, on the USS Dace in 1953. During his naval career, he served on four submarines, the USS Dace, USS Croaker, USS Hardhead and the USS Dogfish as an engineman. For 13 years he served on the USS Hardhead and traveled the world with the U.S. Navy. From 1967-1968 he served as the Chief of the Boat (C.O.B) which is the highest ranking enlisted man on the boat. In 1969 he was reassigned to Baltimore, Maryland for Navy Recruitment Duty. In 1972, Chief Rogers retired from the United States Navy as an E-7, with 22 years of service. In 2003, he was inducted into the Holland Club, a submarine milestone of being 50 years submarine qualified in the US Navy. He began his civilian career at the Port of Baltimore 1973. A short time later he obtained employment at the U.S. Postal Service where he worked as a mail clerk at the main post office in Baltimore, Maryland. In January of 2000, he retired from the U.S. Postal Service with 30 years of service. Throughout Robert’s life he had many hobbies and interests. His first love was providing for his family. He enjoyed working on his 1957 Ford, wine making, gardening, cooking, photography, traveling, horseback riding and riding his motorcycle. He also loved building model trains, building and flying remote control airplanes. He enjoyed family gatherings and Sunday brunch. As Robert enjoyed his retirement years, he gained an interest in technology. His cell phone and computers consumed much of his time. Robert was a member of St. Pius/St. Peter Claver Church. Robert and Gloria, attended church weekly as an important part of their lives. Later in his life he was known to be either sitting in his favorite swivel chair in the kitchen or in his TV room upstairs. As soon as his grand/great grandchildren entered the house they would always ask “Where is Grandad/Pop?” Robert loved his great/grandchildren. Robert is survived by his wife of 63 years, Gloria Juanita (Wheeler) Rogers, two daughters; Deborah L. Rogers and Valerie E. Rogers, three sons; Kenneth B. Rogers, Michael T. Rogers and Robert (Robbie) Rogers Jr., one brother; Thomas Rogers Jr., He was preceded in death by his brother; Charles “Itchy” Rogers and his sister Bernadette Robinson, three daughter-in-law’s; Annetta Rogers, Patricia Rogers and Laurencia Rogers, one brother-in-law; Harry Wheeler and three sister-in-laws; Mary Marshall, Brenda Flores and Doris Wheeler, 13 grandchildren; Kenya (deceased), Adrina, Shannon, Michael Mitchell, Aarinae, Patrice, Parissa, Michael Rogers Jr., Paris, Nyla, Shane and Landon;12 great grandchildren Jalen, Kaira, Kayla, Damien, Braylon, LaVontray, Darius, Jeremiah, LaNiyah, Jawan, Kenidi and Brayden; two god-daughters, Jeanette Johnson and Barbara Johnson; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins, many special friends and acquaintances. He was preceded in death by his brother, Charles "Itchy" Rogers; sister, Bernadette Robinson, and granddaughter, Kenya.

Tributes

Robert L. Rogers

May 12, 1933 - August 20, 2017