The Reverend John A. Rogers, 81, beloved husband of Faye Locke Rogers, passed away on July 31, 2020. Born in New Haven, Feb. 25, 1939 to John A. and Martha K. Rogers, he received a B.A. from Drew University in 1960, where he was elected to Pi Gammu Mu and Kappa Pi, attended Duke University Divinity School, and received his M.Div. from the General Theological Seminary of New York in 1963. Fr. Rogers, a resident of Rocky Hill since 2001, was Rector Emeritus of Trinity Episcopal Church, Wethersfield, where he served as Rector from 1975-2001. He had been Associate Rector of the parish from 1970-1975, and as Curate from 1963-1966. He also served as Vicar of Christ Church, Oxford, CT, from 1966-1970. In 1973, he was licensed by the Archbishop of York, England, to serve two Yorkshire parishes, St. Hilda's, Ampleforth, and St. Oswald's, Oswaldkirk. He served his diocese and community in numerous ways during his tenure at Trinity Church. One community service of which he was especially proud was acting as moderator of Meet the Candidates nights prior to municipal elections. He was recognized by the town of Wethersfield as Honorary Memorial Day Parade Marshall in 1998. In retirement, he served on a clergy support team for the parishes of St. George's Church, Bolton, St. John's Church, East Hartford, All Saints' Church, East Hartford, and St. James' Church, Hartford. He served also as Chaplain of St. Elizabeth's Chapel, Armsmear (Hartford), as a Chaplain to Retired Clergy of the Church. For nearly his whole career Fr. John tried to live his life according to a motto spoken by the Tin Woodman in the Wizard of Oz as given to him on a poster by his wife Faye: "I had brains, and a heart also; so, having tried them both, I should much rather have a heart." This poster hung in his office for nearly fifty years. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, John M. Rogers of Wethersfield, by his son and daughter-in-law Chad M. and Denise DeCelle-Rogers of Rocky Hill, and his nieces and their husbands, Bonnie and Richard Waraksa of Cheshire, Karen and Donald Cruickshanks of Madison, Wisconsin, and the children of both families, Amy, Thomas, Lauchlin, and Margaret. He was predeceased by his sister, Audrey R. Sundermann. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family, with a memorial service at a later date. Memorial donations in Fr. John's name may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church, 300 Main Street, Wethersfield, Connecticut 06109, The Church of St. Andrews the Apostle, 331 Orchard Street Rocky Hill, CT 06067 or Hartford HealthCare at Home –Hospice Program, 1290 Silas Deane Highway-4B, Wethersfield, CT 06109. The D'Esopo Funeral Chapel, Wethersfield has been entrusted with arrangements. To share a memory of Fr. John, please visit www.desopofuneralchapel.com.

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Published by Hartford Courant on Aug. 9, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for John Rogers

Sponsored by the family.

6 Entries

Ralph P. Lawson, III

November 30, 2020

I only recently and by accident learned of John's passing this past summer. I was a childhood friend of John and his sister Audrey and his mother was one of my Sunday School teachers at 1st Methodist in West Haven. The last time that I saw John was at the committal of his sister's ashes in the family plot at Oak Grove Cemetery in West Haven. John, Fr. John, was a great guy growing up and judging from his obituary accomplished much during his lifetime.

My most sincere sympathy to his wife Faye and family.

Joe Tremblay

August 12, 2020

We are very sorry to hear about the passing of Father Rogers. He was a kind and special person. He performed our marriage ceremony and also baptized all of our children. Our prayers and condolences to the family.

Joe and Cindy Tremblay

Charlene & John Hunter

August 9, 2020

John and I have fond memories of Father Rogers. He almost seemed like one of the Hunter family. He will be missed. Our prayers and condolences go out to Faye and his family. Rest In Peace

Paula Massa

August 9, 2020

Thank you Father John for all yours years of service and all the blessings showed to my family.will miss our calls and visits will remember our get together dinners and game and card playing and now eac time I go to WS market I will think of you passing by the pastries cupcakes and ice cream that I got you from your list every 2weeks shopping.I know you are now another angel up there to wat h over Faye and your family and friends Be at peace now in the arms of the Lord Art and Paula Massa

PAT KUH

August 7, 2020

Heartfelt condolences to Fr. John's entire family. I first met Fr. John during evensong services at Trinity, Wethersfield about 20 years ago. He became the Priest Associate at St. Andrew's, Rocky Hill a few years ago. I will always remember his devotion to our church & our church family, his thoughtful sermons, and his kind, gentle, loving spirit. I will cherish the love I have for Fr. John & his sweet wife Faye, the many wonderful visits with the two of them plus the many cards & notes we shared over the years.

While we grieve Fr. John's passing, we rejoice that he is home with our Lord and is at peace.

With Tears and Love, Pat Kuh

D'Esopo Funeral Chapel

August 9, 2020

Our deepest condolences on your loss. The D’Esopo Family.

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