Obituary of John R. Rogers, Sr.

Obituary of John R. Roger, Sr.

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of John R. Rogers, Sr., (known as “Ritchie”) on September 24, 2024. He was married to his loving wife, Theresa (Banatt) Rogers for 69 years, prior to her passing in October 2023.

The loving son of the late Edward and Hazel Rogers, Ritchie was born and raised in Somerville along with his siblings and made his home in Cambridge. He was a very proud veteran of the United States Army and served in the Korean War as a paratrooper.  He worked for many years at Allen’s Stationary in Cambridge until his retirement, and thereafter was known as “Mr. Rogers” as a children’s crossing guard at the corner of Putnam Ave. and Pearl Street Cambridge for nearly ten years. Those who knew Ritchie were Blessed to know a man of selfless devotion to his family and others, often working two or three jobs to provide for his children and would be the first to volunteer to help those in need of assistance. In his spare time, he served many years as the equipment manager for Blessed Sacrament (Cambridge) Drill Team, shuttling back and forth to competitions throughout the state.

Ritche is survived by his loving children, Susan Rogers (Fennessy) of Plainville, MA, Barbara Rogers and her husband, Dale Belden of Bradenton, Florida, John Rogers and his wife, Mitzie of Pennsauken, New Jerey, Mary Christine (Rogers) Guinto and her husband Raymond of Cambridge MA and Joseph Rogers and his wife, Lauren of Gardner, MA. Cherished Grandfather of Amy (Fennessy) O’Brien, Erin (Fennessy) LaPaglia, Crystal Farrell, Sarah (Rogers) Towery, Matthew Rogers, Michael Guinto, Daniel Guinto, Julie Guinto, Felicia (Rogers) Deskins, Ryan Rogers and Sydney Mario. Adoring Great-Grandfather of Casey Fung, Maia Carvalho, and Andrew O’Brien.

Visiting hours will be held in the Burns Funeral Home, 305 Broadway, Cambridge on Tuesday October 1, 2024, from 10:00 to 11:30AM, followed by burial at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, MA.  Relatives and friends are cordially invited.  In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Disabled American Veterans at in his name.