Richard H. Rogers, 80, owner and publisher of TV World Magazine, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 29, 2021 at Brandon Woods of Dartmouth after a long illness. He was the son of the late Josephine H. (Vieira) Oliver and Domingos (Rogers) Rodriques. He was also the step-son of the late George Oliver and the late Natalie (Westgate) Rodriques.
Born in New Bedford, he was a 1958 graduate of New Bedford High School. After high school, he enlisted in the Army with his two best friends Louie Mello and Richie Perry. He supervised the security department for the Post office and District Federal Courthouse building in New Haven, CT while in the Army Reserves, and graduated in 1971 from New Haven University with a B.S. in Business Administration before moving back to the New Bedford area.
In 1973, he started TV World Magazine, which he published for over 30 years. He also wrote his own local gossip column, “Someone Said It, Not Me!”. He never shied away from controversy, and while he garnered a few enemies, many people loved reading his take on local politics, corny and sometimes politically-incorrect jokes, and stories about the who’s who of the local area. He enjoyed being a part of the local political and social circles, and he could often be found socializing at local downtown New Bedford establishments. He was best known and loved for his outgoing personality, and loved cracking jokes and making people laugh. He loved to be the life of any party, and enjoyed all types of music, dancing, and singing. He especially loved 1950’s doo-wop, and was a big fan of the Eagles. He loved playing volley ball, cards, chess, being near or on the water, and was a voracious reader. He enjoyed a good V.O. Presbyterian or a coffee brandy Sombrero, and on Christmas Eve, a glass of Madeira wine with his daughter and her family as was the tradition in later years. He loved visiting with his grandson, always with Munchkins in hand. He loved politics and history, and loved to have a good debate or discussion. In his later years, he loved a good cup of hot coffee, a donut, a newspaper, and sitting by the water at Fort Phoenix. He also enjoyed watching the Patriots and Red Sox. He was loved and well cared-for by the nurses, CNAs and other staff at Brandon Woods, which is a great source of comfort to his daughter, and greatly appreciated.
Richard is survived by his loving daughter, Michelle A. Rogers, her partner John H. Bell, and Richard’s beloved grandson Aiden J.R. Bell, all of Somerset, MA; his former wife and dear friend, Deborah M. (Connelly) Rogers of Prince Edward Island, Canada; his brothers, Gilbert A. Rogers and Charles E. Rodriques of Florida; his sister, Karen A. (Rodriques) Vilandry of Fairhaven, MA; nieces, nephews and cousins, and many friends from over the years.
He was preceded in death by his brother Raymond A. Rogers of Acushnet, MA.
Due to current gathering restrictions, his Graveside Service will be held at a later date at the Massachusetts National Cemetery. A celebration of his life will be held in the summer. Any stories about Richard or messages of condolences are welcome, and may be sent to [email protected]. Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford.