Rogers, John Francis, 86, of Medford, September 6th, 2023.
Born on April 12th, 1937 in East Boston to the late Edgar and Dorothy Rogers. He was the fourth of eight siblings.
He is predeceased by his brothers Edgar, Robert, James (predeceased in childhood), and Richard, by his sisters Dorothy Mackey and Regina DiGregorio, and by his grandson Wesley Rogers.
John is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Carolyn along with his loving children, son John and wife Linda, and their daughter Hannah; son David and wife Audrey, and their children Benjamin, and Meryl; and his son Michael. He is also survived by his brothers, George and Ernest, brother-in-law Calvin Woodworth and wife Nancy, and his cousin James Rogers and partner Barbara.
John was also the uncle to 27 nieces and nephews some of whom predeceased him. Growing up in Chelsea, his best friend was the late Jack Wessell.
One of John’s greatest strengths was as a nurturer. He was a devoted father. He always knew what to say to heal life’s wounds and foster confidence, and was always quick with a word of encouragement. These gifts were not only showered on his family, but on everyone. Through his faith and the grace of God, he was able to meet people where they were. He freely displayed his fatherly love and was someone you could always depend on. Whether he was inviting you into his home, providing you with lunch, doing your taxes, or fixing your washing machine, he loved you like a son or a daughter. As such he was a respected father figure in his neighborhood and the lives of his neighbors were enhanced by his gifts.
He was a dedicated meatcutter who was treasured by his coworkers. He worked for the now defunct First National Stores as a meat cutter. After many layoffs and store closures he was the last store employee in the Boston area. He then worked at Mal’s Supermarkets until it closed. He finished his career working for Johnnie’s Foodmaster. His ability to walk alongside all people was recognized at work, where he would be sent to stores to smooth out personality clashes, make peace, and boost morale. Beloved by his coworkers, he was given homemade awards by his fellow employees.
But his life’s devotion was his walk with God, he never wavered in his walk. A walk that encouraged people by simply being near him. Even after six years in a nursing home, as his intellect waned, his light still shone as brightly. As his mind slowly dimmed his patience never faltered. Up to the very end, his calm demeanor and love shone brightly. Now he walks in person with his Savior Jesus and God the Father in Heaven.
We are grateful to the all the staff at the Courtyard Nursing Care Center in Medford who became an extended family to John and his family over these last six years.
His funeral service will be celebrated in the Grace Episcopal Church, 160 High Street, Medford on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at 11:30 AM. Relatives and friends are most welcome to attend. Visiting hours will be held in the Beals-Geake-Magliozzi Funeral Home, 29 Governors Avenue, Medford, on Saturday, prior to the service from 9 to 11 AM. Interment will be held in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Medford. In lieu of flowers please donate to: The Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism For additional information, please visit, www.magliozzifuneralhome.com.