Ronald Rogers

Ronald Arthur Rogers, age 75, of Branford, beloved husband of Annette Bourbeau Rogers, passed away peacefully at Connecticut Hospice in Branford, on February 27, 2013, with his family by his side after a brief illness. Born on November 13, 1937 in Springfield, MA, he was one of four children of Raymond and Leona (Robillard) Rogers. Ron and his wife of 55 years, Annette, were married on July 20, 1957. He graduated from Fitchburg Teachers College in 1959 and was a retired Industrial Arts teacher for the Town of Hamden. He received a Master’s Degree from Central Connecticut State College in 1969. Ron loved the teaching profession and mentored numerous students into careers in industrial arts and teaching. He was named Hamden Jaycee Educator of The Year in 1961. In 1974 he was named the Outstanding Young Industrial Arts Educator for the American Industrial Arts Association. He traveled to Seattle, WA to receive the award which brought national prominence to the Hamden Board of Education. After his retirement Ron mentored adults who desired a creative outlet in wood working and also designed and built wooden toys for children, including his own grandchildren. Both proved therapeutic to Ron and kept him connected to the profession he loved. Ron was a faithful member of the Knights of Columbus Council 3605 in Hamden and was a member of the 4th degree John Barry Assembly and was a Past Faithful Navigator (PFN). He received the Knight of the Year award in 1994 and 1997 from Carmel Council 3605. In 2003 he was honored by the John Barry Assembly as the Charles Carroll of Carrollton Medalist recipient for his Catholic service and leadership. He was a steadfast and active member of St. Rita Parish in Hamden for 35 years and more recently was a member of St Therese in Branford. Ron was a quiet and humble man of faith and the strength he displayed in dealing with a disability for 35 years was a source of strength for his five children and his eleven grandchildren. Ron will be greatly missed by his family, all who were able to express their love and say goodbye before his passing. In addition to his wife, Annette, he is survived by his loving children, James (Caroline) Rogers of Chattanooga, TN; Ronald (Joy) Rogers and Michael (Kim) Rogers both of New Haven; Kenneth (Sandy) Rogers of Greenwood Lake, NY and daughter Rita-Marie (William) Rossetti of Branford and his former daughter–in-law Emily Koepke of Burlington, MA. Grandchildren: Lauren (Zac) Cavitt of San Diego, CA; Jessica and Jason Rogers of Chattanooga, TN; Christine (Daniel) Baluha of Laurel, MD; Caroline, Michael and John Rogers all of New Haven, CT; Mark Rogers of Burlington, MA; Georgia and Charlotte Rossetti of Branford, CT; and Paul Ouelette of Greenwood Lake, NY. Brothers Ernie (Joyce) Rogers of Albany GA; Reverend Mr. Francis (Lois) Rogers of East Longmeadow, MA and sister Jeanette Stone of Holden, MA. He was predeceased by sisters-in-law Ann R. Theroux of Florence, MA and Deborah Bourbeau of Southwick, MA and brother-in-law William Davis of Chicopee, MA. He leaves brothers and sisters-in-law James (Gloria) Bourbeau of Hamden, CT.; Michele Bourbeau of Chicopee, MA; Daniel Bourbeau of Southwick, MA. and Michelle Anne Davis of Chicopee, MA. He also leaves many dear nephews, nieces and a long time close friends. Calling hours will be held on March 1, 2013 from 4 to 8 pm at the Sisk Brothers Funeral Home, 3105 Whitney Ave. in Hamden. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on March 2, 2013 at 12:00 pm at St. Rita Roman Catholic Church on Whitney Ave. in Hamden.Friends are asked to go directly to church. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Hamden, CT. In lieu of flowers the family suggest donations be made to: Connecticut Hospice Inc. 100 Double Beach Rd, Branford, CT. 06405 or to the Smilow Cancer Hospital, P O Box 1849 Meriden, CT 06508 www.siskbrothers.com

Ronald Rogers

November 13, 1937 - February 27, 2013