Bruce Alden Rogers

Bruce Alden Rogers

1940-2026

Castine, ME--Bruce Alden Rogers of Hope Valley, RI and Castine, ME died suddenly on January 25, 2026. He was born on May 3, 1940, the son of Edward Alden Rogers and Barbara Eldridge Rogers. Bruce grew up in Greenwich, CT, with annual summer visits to Castine, ME.

Bruce was born an explorer. He was curious - curious about how the natural world "worked". He was the sort of little boy who kept jars of spiders, lizards, and frogs in his bedroom. He loved experimenting, and it was clear from an early age that he would go on to become a scientist.

Bruce remembered his early summer visits to Castine, watching his grandfather Edward S. Rogers painting Castine-related historical events on the walls of the family boathouse. He explored Castine's historical fortifications, searching for artifacts, especially cannon and musket balls, using a World War II mine detector, a gift from his father.

Bruce enjoyed swimming, rowing, sailing, and shore activities. Kayaking among harbor islands and estuaries and exploring for Indian encampments helped form his lifelong interest in marine science. In his later years, he regularly kayaked around the Castine peninsula, with a short portage across Wadsworth Cove Road. Bruce took long daily walks around Castine. He took his last walk on January 23rd.

Bruce graduated from St. Georges School, Brown University, and the University of Rhode Island's Graduate School of Oceanography, earning his PhD.

Following his graduation from Brown University, he interned at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute collecting and tagging large sport fish. This internship led to his being selected for a berth aboard the Anton Bruun, a research ship departing on the International Indian Ocean Expedition of 1963-64. Bruce assisted scientists with their research and collections by diving on unexplored reefs and landing deep-sea fish. He had many interesting stories, both from aboard the ship and various port stops, and lots of memories. One of these included foreign vessels dipping their flags as a sign of respect at the time of President John F. Kennedy's assassination.

After extensive travels around the world, Bruce enrolled at the University of Rhode Island's Graduate School of Oceanography, working on marine biology and fishery programs.

Upon completion of his PhD, Bruce focused his research experience on oyster aquaculture and improved productivity in striped bass hatchery management. This included, with the assistance of his wife Debbie and his young boys, developing his own hatchery on leased coastal ponds as well as at their Hope Valley farm.

Over the course of his life, Bruce raised sheep, pigs, chickens, and several beloved dogs. He planted and tended huge vegetable and flower gardens. His hand-brewed maple syrup, using the sap from his RI maple trees, was legendary and prized among family members.

Bruce and his family took long, memorable trips to Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, and the Southwest, introducing his sons to the varied beauty of our nation.

Bruce, along with his wife Debbie, and their sons, purchased a vintage NY 32 ... and then saw she had full restoration over next several years. They spent many summers exploring Penobscot Bay and beyond, as well as racing in various regattas, aboard this vessel, their beloved "Gentian".

In Castine, Bruce served as Fleet Captain and later as Commodore of the Castine Yacht Club. During his tenure, he, Debbie, his boys, and member volunteers built new floats and ramps for the club. He and Debbie oversaw the Junior Sailing Program. He was also involved with the reorganization of the Castine Golf Club from shareholder club to a member club in the late 1990's.

Bruce was predeceased by his parents, his brother Jay, and his cousin James Harriman Rogers.

He is survived and greatly missed by his wife Debbie, sons Christopher and his wife Becca, Ben and his wife Merissa, his much-loved grandchildren Sam, Kate, and Peter, and his brother David and sister-in- law Robbi, plus many friends and neighbors.

Rest in peace dear husband, friend, father and a grand one too....

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bruce's name would be gratefully received by the Castine Fire and Rescue Department, 13 Court Street, Castine, ME 04421....or, just hug a loved one. Arrangements are under the care of Mitchell-Tweedie Funeral Home and Cremation Services Bucksport. (mitchelltweedie-young.com)