Joseph A. Rodgers

Joseph A. Rodgers III was born to Lynn and Joseph A Rodgers Jr in Akron, Ohio, on January 20, 1942.
He passed away peacefully on November 5, 2025, at the age of 83, after many wonderful, mostly happy years, and a heart that couldn't keep up with his boundless enthusiasm. Joe was incredibly noble and strong until he drew his last breath. His independence was everything.
Joe is survived by his beloved and adored wife, Kay, of 40 years, and their cherished blended family. His children, who will miss him dearly, are daughters Jackie (Mark) Conrad, Kristine (Sven) Kimmel, and sons Mike (Amanda) Kimmel & Tom Kimmel. Joe's devoted brothers also honor his memory: Mickey (Chris) and Ed (Beth) Rodgers. Grandpa Joe also leaves 12 grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren.
Preceding Joe in passing was his beloved son, Joseph IV, in November of 2022, and his brother, Dennis, in 2016.
Joe spent his early years in Akron, where several members of his Lebanese family lived just steps away. Joe's childhood included joyful, boisterous Sunday dinners with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. The table was rich with the aroma of delicious food, and hugs were plentiful.
Joe was known to have an ornery side, a family trait no doubt, yet he mastered this with a playful twinkle in his eye. Because of this trait, he "visited" many high schools until he graduated from Central High School in 1960. His senior superlative was "Smiley," and he played catcher on the baseball team.
After high school, Joe enlisted in the US Army, where he served as an X-ray technician and medic. Joe was incredibly proud of his service to his country, which he later had the opportunity to demonstrate.
In the mid-60s, Joe began a 33-year career with Ohio Edison as a Data Operations Supervisor and started a family. His wife and two young children, Jackie and Joey, lived in Akron. Even as a young dad, working full-time, Joe was involved in many civic activities, such as being the President of the Pee Wee Football Association (and neither of his kids even played football!), Ohio Edison Men's Club, Indian Guides, St. Vincent-St. Mary Adult Booster Club, and many years of coaching his son Joey's little league (WABL) teams, all of which were family events.
In 1985, after years of raising his kids as a single dad, Joe married Kay Rodgers, who would become his life partner of forty years. Together, they blended their families into four teenagers and one still in grade school. Kay can tell you how much fun that was!
They settled in Kay's hometown of Wadsworth, where Joe quickly immersed himself in the community. Joe was an active member of the American Legion Post 170 for 20 years, served as a Sergeant-at-Arms for 2 years, and was the post's Commander for 11 years. One of his proudest achievements was bringing the Vietnam Memorial traveling "Wall That Heals" to the city in 2008. He was instrumental in boosting American Legion membership. Under Joe's leadership, the American Legion donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to the Wadsworth community. For six years, Joe served on the Downtown Wadsworth, Inc. Board of Directors and as President for two years. Additionally, he served as President of the Wadsworth Salvation Army Advisory Board.
Joe's awards and accomplishments in Wadsworth are too many to mention. Still, a few are: In 2009, he was awarded the Key to the City of Wadsworth, a certificate of commendation from Secretary of State Jon Husted, and a Certificate of Congressional Recognition from Congressman Jim Renacci. All of this and so much more earned him the nicknames of "The Commander" and "Mr. Wadsworth."
In 2022, that lifelong twinkle in Joe's eye diminished considerably when his beloved son, Joe, passed away too young.
Joe maintained an incredibly active lifestyle despite his health limitations. He had his routine each week and he was not going to let his body get in the way! He loved a good card game with his buddies, Joe would never miss breakfast on Tuesdays with his "he ain't heavy – he's my brother!", Eddie, and his cousins and friends at Bob Evans, where the gang has a standing reservation every week. Joe was so thankful for his friends at Jack's Garage, who lifted his spirits each time he was there.
Grandpa Joe's grandchildren and great-grandchildren lit up his life. Whether snuggling them as toddlers on his lap or watching them walk across a graduation stage, he was delighted to be in their company. Grandpa Joe was there for the baseball games, the TikToks they created, or just a simple conversation- no matter the occasion, his smile of pride never wavered.
Joe's final days were surrounded by love.
"Let this be a loving reminder that someone is missing today
Someone our hearts still hold on to
As we travel along life's way
Someone who made life so special, for all those who gather here
Someone who won't be forgotten,
But cherished from year to year.
And now, as we pause to remember,
Let us fondly recall,
How dearly each of us loved him,
And oh how he loved us all."
Graveside Service with Military Honors will be conducted 9:45 am Thursday at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.
Joes family will receive friends 4-7pm Thursday following the graveside service at Hilliard-Rospert Funeral Home.