Thomas Raymond Rogers

1943 - 2015

BELLINGHAM - Thomas Raymond Rogers passed away of heart complications October 2, at the age of 72, in Sebastian, Fl., with his wife of 35 years, Karen Rogers, by his bedside. He is survived by his youngest daughter, Kelly Rogers, and four stepsons: Jeffrey Sousa and his wife Noreen; Paul Sousa and his wife Denise; Robert Sousa, Jr.; and Joseph Sousa. Tom also leaves behind his brother, John Rogers, and extended family members Steven Farrell, Kristi Farrell, Ryan Sousa, Christina Sousa and a host of other precious family members and friends.
Tom was born in Lowell, Mass., on January 18, 1943, to John J. Rogers and Florida G. Rogers, where he was christened with his mother's maiden name, "Thomas." A classic eldest child, Tom developed a strong sense of responsibility and grew into a family patriarch known for his wisdom, compassion, and selflessness. Three of his four younger brothers predeceased him: Dennis, Stephen and Michael.
Tom attended Lowell City schools and joined the United States Marine Corps, earning an honorable discharge in 1964. In 1965, he began working as an assemblyman for General Motors (GM), from which he retired.
Tom moved in 1972 from Lowell to Bellingham, Mass., where he established deep roots and raised a large extended family. There, he was an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), the Over 30 Softball League and the Bellingham Sportsman's Club, for which he served as president and several other board positions during the 1980s.
In 1995, shortly after retiring from GM, Tom and his wife moved to Sebastian, Fl., where they owned and operated a small transportation company in partnership with lifelong friends and former coworkers Harold ("Butch") and Gisela Lovelace, who had previously retired to the area. Tom and Karen became active members of the Sebastian VFW Post 10210 and the Sebastian Italian American Club, and drew many of their friends and family members from New England to the vicinity.
Tom was an avid Red Sox fan, a passion he shared with his father, and was happiest when sharing a beer and good humor with friends and family over a game. He spent his golden years surrounded by people who loved and respected him, and who will deeply miss his presence.
The family is hosting services in both Florida and Massachusetts. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Italian American Club of Sebastian at 861 Sebastian Blvd. on Saturday, October 10 at 2 p.m. For loved ones in the Massachusetts area, a memorial service will be held at Cartier's Funeral Home on 151 S. Main St. in Bellingham, Mass. on Saturday, October 17 at 11 a.m., following a 10 a.m. visiting hour. Final prayers will be held at the St. Jean the Baptiste Cemetery at 310 Wrentham Rd. in Bellingham, where Tom will be laid to rest next to his oldest daughter, Diana Rogers. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow at the VFW Post 7272 on 940 S. Main St. in Bellingham.
To sign the guest book, please visit cartiersfuneralhome.com. For anyone wishing to make a donation in Tom's honor, please consider Homes for Our Troops.