Thomas R. Rodgers

1945 - 2025

Thomas Rosko Rodgers, 80, of Latrobe, passed away Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, at his home. Born Aug. 30, 1945, in Latrobe, he was the son of the late Henry J. Rodgers Sr. and Mary E. (Rosko) Rodgers. Tom was a 1963 graduate of Greater Latrobe High School and went on to graduate from the University of Pittsburgh. For six years, he served his country as a member of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard and was discharged with the rank of Sergeant in 1972. Prior to his retirement, he had been an instructional leader and elementary school teacher for the Derry Area School District. Teaching and mentoring were his passions, and he always strove to make sure that his students had the tools they needed to be successful and ensured that they were enjoying themselves along the journey. This passion extended beyond the classroom as Tom spent years coaching both wrestling and Little League, serving as a 4-H leader and a member of the 4-H Board of Directors, the Westmoreland County Fair Board of Directors, and the Westmoreland Horsemen's Association. Tom was a cowboy at heart with an old-school western attitude. He loved the outdoors, particularly hunting and fishing, and was passionate about his Appaloosa horses and "second chance" farm. He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Church, Latrobe. Tom's varied interests and background led him to be a member of the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees, PSERS, the American Legion, the Old Crabtree Sportsmen's Association, 7-Mile Camp in Clinton County, the National Rifle Association, Trout Unlimited, and the Appaloosa Horse Club. Most of all, he loved his family, especially his grandchildren. Throughout the challenges of his life, he overcame seemingly insurmountable obstacles with a tough, resilient, and happy attitude. He remained faithful and maintained his caring, honest self while fighting a hero's battle in the eyes of so many who admired his warrior-like spirit in the face of adversity. In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his brother, Henry J. Rodgers Jr.; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Andrew G. and Betty J. Vechter; and a brother-in-law, Timothy D. Vechter. Tom is survived by his wife of 58 years and high school sweetheart, Lynn C. (Vechter) Rodgers; one son, Matthew Rodgers, and his wife, Erin; one daughter, Nicole McClain, and her husband, Scott; three grandchildren, Maura, Ian, and Gavin; his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Reenie Rodgers, Leslie and Ken Fennell, Kim Schmidt, Curtis Vechter, and Andrew Vechter; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Tom's family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the Bridges Hospice for their care and compassion, as well as UPMC and Independence Health Systems. A special thank you, also, for the lifelong friendships of Tom H., Dave P., and Rick R., which meant so much to Tom. Family and friends will be received from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, at LOPATICH-BRINKER FUNERAL HOME LLC, 601 Weldon St., Latrobe. Military services will be conducted at 9:15 a.m. Monday in the funeral home by the Latrobe Derry Veterans Honor Guard. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday at St. John the Evangelist Church, Latrobe, with the Rev. E. George Saletrik as celebrant. Interment will follow at Unity Cemetery. To sign the online guest book, send condolences, or share a story, please visit www.lopatichbrinker.com.