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Donald C. Rogers Jr.

Donald Rogers Obituary

ROGERS, DONALD C., JR., 57, of Palm Boulevard, Warwick, died on Wednesday, March 23, 2005 at Roger Williams Medical Center in Providence. He was the husband of Betsey Snipes.

Born in Providence, a son of Donald C. and Marjolaine G. (Howland) Rogers of Warwick, he lived in Warwick for most of his life.

Mr. Rogers was a diesel mechanic, and known as 'the professor' at Anderson Motors in East Providence for the last 23 years.

He was a Navy veteran of the Vietnam War era. He was an auto racing enthusiast, and an aficionado of NEXTEL Cup racing.

Besides his wife and parents, he is survived by a son, 1st Lt. David P. Snipes, USMC, of Camp Lejeune, NC; a daughter, Debra L. Snipes of Dallas, TX; two brothers, Dale G.H. Rogers of Pawtucket and Dana A. Rogers of Burrillville; a sister, Donalynne R. Ouellette of Swansea, MA; three grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 26, at 4 p.m. in the Peter J. Barrett Funeral Home, 1328 Warwick Avenue, Spring Green, Warwick. Visiting hours are Saturday 2-4 p.m. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the American Liver Foundation, 75 Maiden Lane, Suite 603, New York, NY 10038.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Providence Journal on Mar. 25, 2005.

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Laura Snipes

September 11, 2007

Don, Please watch over david while he's in Iraq. Show him the safe path. We miss you and talk about you all the time. The girls still giggle about your ways. Love, Laura

Tim Martin

September 7, 2007

Don, Happy Belated Birthday to you my friend you are very sadly missed and my thoughts and prayers are to you Betsy and Deb....come home soon and safe Dave after a job well done

Betsey Snipes

August 28, 2007

My dearest Donald - today is your birthday - although you never liked the attention - (I certainly can remember the 40th surprise birthday party I gave you!!) I am writing to say how much I love you and miss you. I talk to you every day - and know that you are with me guiding me. Please watch over David as he returns to Iraq for the fourth time. Happy 60th birthday. I love you. Hugs and kisses - Betsey

Debbie Valois

March 13, 2007

Don,
Just want you to know that we think of you all the time and love you always...

Debbie Valois

August 28, 2006

HI Don!

I know you hated hearing about it but it just wouldn't be the same.....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!

Kinda funny it would happen today, but my battery died and had to be replaced....the last time that happened you did it for me...you were alot cheaper :)

Love you and miss you....keep an eye on all of us OK (especially Mom)

Love Debbie

linda obrien

March 23, 2006

Hi Don I miss you very much, words cant explain, the emptiness I feel ,Betsy is doing fine, Please watch over david, Just know that I think of you always, I miss you. HAHAHA. I can still hear that laugh. love Linda

Debbie Valois

March 23, 2006

Don,

I am having a rare moment where I am at a loss for words... I have your picture on my desk at work and you smile at me everyday... I love you and we all miss you so much.

Please watch over Mom,David, all of us...

With much love,

Debbie

Donalynne Ouellette

March 23, 2006

Our lives go on without you, but nothing is the same.We try to hide our sorrow when someone speaks your name. Sad are the hearts that love you- silent the tears that fall. Living our lives without you is the hardest part of all. You did so many things for us- your heart was kind and true. And when we needed someone we could always count on you. The special years will not return when we were all together. But with the love for you within our hearts, You will walk with us forever! Happy first anniversary. Our love always, Mom, Dad, Donalynne, Dale, and Dana

Betsey Snipes

March 22, 2006

My dearest Don - It will be a year March 23rd since you left all of us, and I am comforted to know you are in a peaceful and good place. I know that you are my "guardian angel" and I will always look for your guidance. I love you and always will. Keep watch over David and all of us. Love, Betsey

Dana Rogers

March 22, 2006

Don its been a year since you left us.The Icebreaker is comming up. I know you must be into your racing countdown.I can always feel your presence at the track. I think of you every day. WE MISS YOU. Dana,Diane,Genna & Lindsey

donalynne ouellette

January 1, 2006

As 2005comes to an end and 2006 begins- we remember with sadness your life that we lost, and rejoice in the memories that live on- Happy New Year, Don---We love you!!!!

Debbie Valois

December 14, 2005

Well Don, your FAVORITE time of year is upon us! Ba Humbug! Dave and I went to visit Mom on Thanksgiving and helped get the yard ready for the winter. The garden is neat, Dave cleaned the gutters (he loved doing that!), I think you would be happy with our job. We also put up Christmas lights....Mom wasn't sure if she was up to decorating this year and then we realized how mad you would be if NOW we stop with all the decorations! (although I think secretly you liked all the hooplah -at least a little) So there are lights and a little tree. It looks really nice..... Mom even got a snowblower! She had to use it last week, you would have been proud! I think on Christmas Mom and I will still be pretending that you are out in the garage, trying to hide from all the festivities, because that is really where you should be.

Love you and Miss you ....Tell Grandma Helen hi for me....

Debbie

Donalynne Ouellette

August 28, 2005

Dear Don, Just wanted to wish you a Happy Birthday today and to let you know that I still think of you, love you, and miss you every day. What do you think of Darren racing a 91 Volkswagon Passat in the Demolition Derby next week? Gather your racing buddies around up there to cheer on #828 to victory! (a memorial to you)....."no longer in our lives to share-but in our hearts you are always there".....Love you and happy birthday, Donalynne xoxo

Debbie Valois

August 18, 2005

Well Don, you may notice my last name is different.... Dave and I were married on July 31rst! I wish like crazy that you could have been there in person to dance with Mom and I....I know you were there in spirit. The sun came out just in time for the ceremony- I like to think that was you.

I am so glad that you were there when Dave proposed so you could see how happy I was, now that we are married, it is even better. I know that would make you happy too. Mom looked BEAUTIFUL at the wedding (but I am sure you know that too).

I love you very much and we all miss you like crazy. Happy almost Birthday!

Love,

Debbie

PS Narragansett Beer is back!

Debbie Snipes

June 17, 2005

I know you were never a big fan of all the holiday hoopla, but I wanted to say Happy Father's Day! We all miss you very much.

PS There's a GIRL race car driver now!

Not sure how happy you would be about that :) Love you

Marj Rogers

May 9, 2005

Dear Don, Yesterday I celebrated my first Mother's Day without you. Although it was sad not to have you by my side, I know that you were looking down from the heavens above making sure that "my day' was special. You would have been very proud of Betsey as she went all the way to Confreda's to buy me that "special plant with the white flowers". It just had to come from there and be brought over on Mothers Day. As it hangs in our yard-it will remind me of all the wonderful love and memories we share. Love you and miss you, Mom and Dad xoxoxo

Debbie Snipes

May 3, 2005

Don,

I am getting ready to come home for my May visit.... Last year you were waiting outside for me to get in from Dallas (mind you at 10:30 at night) to do our yard walk thru. We had to check out what was growing, asking me what to do with certain plants (although I think you already knew), planning the gardens and window boxes I would plant for you that weekend, how many tomato plants you would plant....I am really going to miss doing that with you this year (and it was dark out! Who can see? Of course with all of your spotlights, I guess we could)...

I'll make sure that Mom and I do the walk together, plan what you would have wanted, both wishing more than anything that you were there with us, looking at the garden, underneath the stars.

We love you......

Donalynne Ouellette

April 22, 2005

Dear Don, Can't believe that tomorrow will be 1 month since you left us. Just wanted you to know that we love you and miss you -lots!!!! Love, Donalynne and Bernie

Steph Mello

April 18, 2005

Dear Uncle Don, We have been with you in thoughts and prayers. We greatly regret we couldn't be by your side during your final days. Please know that my last memory with you was a wonderful one. You and Betsy made a special trip over to Grandma's at Christmas time to come say hello to me and the children. I've enjoyed hearing all the stories about you. You were a wonderful husband, son, brother, uncle and friend. You are missed so very much. You have touched the lives of so many and you will always remain a special part of our lives. We love you.

Betty and Gill Main

April 18, 2005

Dear Don,

Gil and I will miss you so much. You have always been such a good friend to us. I always knew I could count on you if I ever had a problem and needed help. We will miss seeing you. We lost two important people this year, you and the Pope. None better. We will watch over Betsy for you.

Love

Gil and Betty.

donalynne ouellette

April 17, 2005

Dear big brother Don, I can hardly believe that it has been 1 month since I was beside you combing your hair, rubbing your back, and holding your hand. (good thing you were sleeping!!!) As I lay here outside on my lounge looking up at the warm sun, I can see your smiling face-so content- and so proud of your accomplishments and all of us. As I wipe away the tears I thank you for teaching and guiding me through the years, Thank you for your wonderful family- Betsey, David, and Debbie. Your memories will live forever and grow richer through the years as we "nurture them with laughter and water them by tears" Until we meet again- I love you! your sister, Donalynne xoxoxo

Linda Obrien

April 16, 2005

Hi Don, its been a little over 3 weeks since your,passing I still look for the garage light to come on every night, I think of you every day. And Mike & I miss you.

Love Forever

Linda & Mike

XXX OOO

Susan Holden

April 15, 2005

Dear Don

Let me recall the fond memories I have with you. The first time we brought the twins down to the house for a weekend, you were so gentle with them. The many Thanksgiving dinners with my special dish that you nicknamed “The Yellow Stuff”. The time we vacationed at the beach house. Each morning you would walk over to the beach and set up the umbrella for us. I had wondered if you would appear in a bathing suit one of those mornings but no. You were always dressed in your traditional outfit; blue jeans, T shirt and work boots. The day you purchased all those clams, you thinking that the few of us would eat them all. Instead, we had them for the rest of the week. The day you allowed Seth to drive your truck. He was so excited and still talks about that experience. We could always find you hanging out in the garage, sitting out in the backyard or working in the yard. Thanks for fixing my bumper on my Volvo, that last time we were there. You had waited to see if I would ask you. Then before I knew it, it was repaired with whatever magic solution you used. These are a few of them many memories I have. I am sure that heaven is an interesting place, now that you and the Pope John Paul II are up there. You will be missed. Love Sue Holden, Essex, VT

Mark Holden

April 13, 2005

Hey Donald,

I think of you every night when I sit down to watch the news. The plant holder we built the last time you were here in Vermont is still next to the TV. We built it the same way you did everything. I'm sure we could park one of David's tanks on the thing and it wouldn't sag a bit. I will always remember you as one of the few people who did so many things for so many people, for the right reasons. You helped people for one reason and one reason only, because they needed it! I'm sure that every Thanksgiving will be remembered by you saying "Pass the yellow stuff",not exactly what you said, but they wouldn't print what you really said. I also picture you up in Heaven standing next to John Paul II, leaning on the Popemobile, looking it over and saying to him. "Give me an hour and I'll have it up and running for ya!"

God Bless you Donald

Betsey Snipes

April 11, 2005

My dearest Donald - I can't tell you how much I miss you - and how reading all the wonderful entries in this guest book make me so proud of you. Every night I look up at the sky and tell you that I love you and miss you. "Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy." I still keep waiting for you to walk through the door or come out of the garage!! I love you. Betsey

Jonathan Owens and Madeline Bedinger

April 9, 2005

Don,

You were a great neighbor and even a better friend. We will always think of you when we push ourselves to achieve better than our best. You have left your mark on our lives and your memory will live on in the hearts and minds of so many people.

Frannie

April 2, 2005

We have a very special angel racing around in God's Country now. He was one of the most special men I have ever met.

Life's journey takes us down many different roads, some journies are longer then others. Some roads seem like they will never end. Yet when we met again it always seems like that friend never left.

Don, the love of the family and friends you've left behind, will keep your memory alive forever.

Betsy, no one could have been as wonderful to Donald, as you. He was a very lucky man and he knew it.

My sympathy to Don's Mom & Dad brothers and sister.

Always,

Phyllis Parente

April 1, 2005

We'll miss so many things about this great guy. His sense of humor , his quiet manner, his respect of women , especially Betsey, and his love of his family and friends. You were always so patient with every stupid question I asked you. You never made me feel dumb for asking them either. When I plant my tomato plants this spring I'll think of all the times we argued with each other about whose were bigger, sweeter, juicier. Deep down I knew yours were always better . We'll never forget you Don. We'll be looking out for Betsey for you . Love Phyllis and Bruce

Whitey Leonard

March 30, 2005

Don: Its sad to see a good friend go so early in life.We had many a good time growing up and I will miss you.Till we meet again your buddy

Mark Feldman

March 30, 2005

Don,

My heart goes out to your family, you always had a smile on your face and were always a pleasure to be around. Heaven has gained a great man. God Bless

Tayler snipes

March 30, 2005

Papa Don you were a great grandpa and i will always miss the good times we had like going to the races and doing fire works and even just sitting around in the garage with me and my sisters just hammering away and i am sorry that i didn't go to the funeral i will always miss you and love you ,Tayler

David Snipes

March 29, 2005

Don, I never said "I love you" and never told you how much I appreciated the way you took care of my mother. I especially want to thank you for the way you cared for my children and most of all my wife and sister. I hope you had known what you meant to us and I am proud to be called your son. My mom, sister, me and more people then I could have imagined will miss you terribly. I have heard more stories of your kindness and generosity all of which solidify the memory of your unfailing character. While your in heaven please drink a beer with; Wilfong, Vincent, Greager, Engel, Youmans, Lawerance, Hunt, Dougherty, Lt Stern, Lt Jimenez and all of our fallen brothers-in-arms. I miss you Don, I love you.

Laura Snipes

March 29, 2005

From the day I met you about twelve years ago,after marring your son David, I have loved and adored you.I have always felt more love and respect from you than I could have ever asked for. When the girls were born, you so naturally took on the role of Grandpa. They love you so much. You made such an inprint on thier lives. In the early years our visits had to be few and far between but in the last several years I felt like we had spent so much more time together. The generousity that you and Mom showed us by letting us stay with you for not one but two whole summers while Dave was away. These are the times with you that the girls and I will cherish forever. You never complained even though you never had a moments peace. You had three little faces at the door every day waiting for your arrival from work with the usual question, "Grandpa,why are you so dirty?". Whether you were outside with friends, in the garage trying to work, or in the living room your lap was never empty. My kids are the only kids in our neighborhood who came home from Grandma and Grandpa's house with (not dolls or hair bows) but thier own sets of tools. It gives me such joy as a mother to know how much you loved them. Thank you for that. I know that you will watch over them as they grow. We told them this and it seemed to to lessen the pain in thier little hearts. God Bless You Papa Don. Until we meet again- We Love You Always.

emily newman

March 29, 2005

My thoughts and prayers are with your family. You will be missed deeply. Love always, Emily Newman

John and Connie kirkland

March 29, 2005

Don,even though I only met you once it was enough to make a lasting impression.I knew from the start you were a wonderful person.Those grandaughters loved you very much.Betsey our thoughts and prayers are with you and the kids.

Just relaxing before raking leaves

March 29, 2005

Kristen DeLayo

March 29, 2005

Don,

I will miss your sweet smile and never forget what a great man you where to your family and friends.I hope that you are sailing through heaven right now!

Love,

"Little One"

Linda Obrien

March 26, 2005

Hi Don you would be very proud of your family today. Just to know how much they LOVE you, I'll miss

you seening you, but my heart will never forget you. Till we meet again Buddy & I know we will.

Love You Forever

Linda - Buddy

Trisha O'Brien

March 26, 2005

Betsy and family my heart pours for you all. As he was to all Don was a huge part of my life..my neighbor,my family and my dad's best friend and for that I thank God for blessing us all to have known such a spectaculer person. I will miss Don everyday I walk life,but will never forget that we will meet again.

big john

March 26, 2005

DON, AT a time of loss of a friend we tend to stop our busy lifes to think back to happier times and there were many. One was when the gang rode around in your old 1950 flat head ford that the front end would shake when you went over 40 mph. GOD BLESS YOU DON Paula and I will miss you.

Debbie Snipes

March 26, 2005

Don,

I am sitting here thinking of a hundred things I want to say and at the same time not being able to think of a way to put any of them into words. Just a couple of weeks ago you had looked at me and said, "I don't know what I would do without your mother, she takes care of everything for me"..... Well, you had always taken care of all of us, I don't know what we will do without you. I take comfort in knowing that you are somewhere right now, relaxing on a couch after a hard days work with Naci at your feet, Tiffany asleep on your belly, wondering what everyone is making such a big deal about.

We love you.......

Bob and Carol Ellison

March 25, 2005

We're going to miss Don. He was a kind and gentle man - a wonderful influence on our niece and nephew, as well as on our beloved sister-in-law Betsey. We will always remember the good times we had: floating on an inner-tube at the cottage, and lots of quahoges in Betsey's kitchen, etc. Wonderful memories. The Lord watches over all, and He is especially doing so with Don. God Bless.

Tarra Still

March 25, 2005

Betsey and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time.

Evelyn Minear Rhonda Mom

March 25, 2005

Betsy, My deepest Sympathy goes out to you at this time of sadness. My prayers are with you and your family. God Bless you always.

all in a days work

March 25, 2005

Bryon helps Don water the flowers

March 25, 2005

Tim Martin

March 25, 2005

Don, you will be sadly missed by many...you were an like uncle to me and I appreciate the advice you had given me and there will always be a smile on my face when I think of you.

"The Animal"

jeffrey e anderson

March 25, 2005

Prof, I'm going to miss you! Thanks for always being there when I needed your help! Thanks for everything you did to help me when needed! Prof,I love you as a very generous man, and for all your kindness to me. We'll keep the faith. The Coolman

ted johnston

March 25, 2005

Don,the gentle giant, proud to call you a good friend, I'll miss you alot,till we meet again.

David Seale

March 25, 2005

Don was a very good person and I am proud to have known him.

Kathleen and Don Robichaud

March 25, 2005

Don, we will always carry our memories of you in our hearts, and remember all the cookouts and good times. Our sympathy to Betsy and family. May God be with you at this time.

Maureen O'Brien

March 25, 2005

I call you, "Faithful Friend", Don! I am deeply grateful for your gentle presence in my life, and in the life of each member of my family. In your quiet and peaceful manner, our lives have been enriched. I thank, God, for allowing you to have been a major part of our friendship, love, sorrows and joys. Until we meet again, continue interceding for us.

Love, Maureen and Winnie

Dillon O'Brien

March 25, 2005

dear betsy,david,debby,hanna and

paige, don was a great man, and if I miss him as much as I do,then I couldn't even start to think about how you must feel. You will be in my prayers

sincerely,

Dillon

Maryann Medici

March 25, 2005

A really nice person who I will miss tremendously. One of the kindest people I know. A true gentleman.

NEW ENGLAND CHAPTER SECOND MARINE DIVISION ASSOCIATION

March 25, 2005

"SEMPER FI"

mike jr

March 25, 2005

Don you were in so many ways like a father to me and especially a great friend. I will have a void in my life forever without you. But I have countless memories that will also last forever in my heart and in my soul. A very large part of my being is because I had you in my life, and that part of you I will carry on in your memory. Don you have atained what we all as humans strive for, and that is to see God in his glory. I'm glad to know your at peace. I loved you Don and I still do. Mike Jr.

pam and Jim O'Brien

March 25, 2005

To Betsey and family our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Don was always known as a woderful kind man he will be missed

Christine Sarza

March 25, 2005

Don, you are sadly missed. You will live on in our hearts forever.

Carolyn Johnston

March 25, 2005

Don you will be in my heart forever you were a good friend and I have great memories of you. Love Carol

GEORGE TILLOTSON

March 25, 2005

GREAT GUY TO KNOW AND WORK WITH