With sadness we share the news of the death of David Wiles Rogers, husband of Diocesan Council member Elizabeth Rundquist. Services were held at St Mark's Church, located at 118 Chadwick Road in Teaneck, at 11 AM on Saturday, August 4, 2018.
Son of Edith Wiles Rogers and Vincent Lawrence Rogers, Dave was born in New York City on January 22, 1928 – three weeks after his mother arrived from Jamaica. Five siblings followed: Harry, Vincent, Betty, John, and Frank.
In school Dave was identified as gifted, and attended Stuyvesant High School, graduating near the top of his class. After a period in the US Army during the Korean conflict, he earned an ME in electrical engineering from the City College of New York.
His professional life included co-ownership of a laundromat in East New York and a subsequent career in electrical engineering, including his own electronics business, BR Power (named for Buck Rogers!). Dave contributed to the design of the Nautilus submarine and the Cassini Space Explorer. His time at Jet Propulsion Laboratories in California opened the door to life-long friendships with other engineers. At home, Dave’s bedtime reading was often in Mathematics Society publications; he often said, “I’m all about amps and volts.”
In addition to his wife Elizabeth, Dave is survived by his son Mark and stepdaughter Danielle by a previous marriage. Dave was a wonderful step-dad to Laura Porter Cohen and Irwin Cohen, stepson Arthur "Scott" Porter, Karl Porter, Edward Porter, as well as eight grandchildren. He was especially close to Gideon, Seth, and Ethan Porter, sons of Scott. Daughters-in-law Marcy, Kristin, and Jennifer Porter – all will remember Dave with love.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Villa Marie Claire Hospice, Saddle River NJ or the David Rogers Memorial Day Laborers Fund at St. Mark's Church.
Condolences may be shared online here.
Lord, for your faithful people life is changed, not ended. When the body of our earthly dwelling lies in death we gain an everlasting dwelling place in heaven. Lord, grant eternal rest, forever in the radiance of your light. Amen.
