Thomas R. Rodgers Ph.D.

Thomas R. Rodgers, PhD, 81, of Manchester, NH, passed away on December 20, 2025, following a period of declining health.

Born at Selfridge Field (Harrison Township), MI, on December 26, 1943, he was the son of the late Bernard "Buck" and Camille (Lokanis) Rodgers. He was raised in the Detroit, MI area, where he resided for many years, later living in Newton, MA, before settling in New Hampshire, which he proudly called home in his later years.

Thomas was a graduate of University of Detroit Jesuit High School. He went on to earn a bachelor's degree from the College of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN, and a PhD from Michigan State University, accomplishments that reflected his lifelong dedication to learning and discovery.

He began his professional career as a research organic chemist with Ash-Stevens in Detroit, later working for DuPont, and ultimately retiring from Polaroid in Waltham, MA, where his intellect, precision, and commitment were deeply valued.

A man of deep faith, Thomas was a devoted communicant of St. Joseph Cathedral in Manchester.

He found great joy in organic gardening and was especially passionate about genealogy, carefully preserving family history for future generations. Above all else, Thomas cherished his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother, remembered for his steady presence, quiet generosity, and boundless love. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, and his legacy of faith, intellect, and love will continue to live on through his family.

He is survived by his beloved wife of fifty-seven years, Kay E. (Young) Rodgers; three daughters, Barbara Maratos and her husband, Paul, of West Roxbury, MA, Deborah Caamano and her husband, Andres, of Nashua, NH and Karen Rodgers of Manchester, NH; a son, Joseph Rodgers and his wife, Nicole, of Boxford, MA; five cherished grandchildren; a sister, Claudia Rodgers of Southfield, MI; a sister-in-law, Pat Rodgers of Royal Oak, MI. He was predeceased by a brother, William "Bill" Rodgers.

Services: Calling hours will be held Sunday, December 28, 2025, from 1 to 3 PM at Connor-Healy Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 537 Union Street, Manchester, NH, 03104.

The funeral will be held Monday, December 29, 2025, with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10 AM at St. Joseph Cathedral, Pine Street at the corner of Lowell Street, Manchester, NH.

Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Bedford, NH.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph Indian School, 1301 N. Main Street, Chamberlain, SD, 57325.

For more information, please visit www.connorhealy.com.