Mr Richard T. Rogers Sr

Richard Rogers, 85, of Middlebury CT, died peacefully surrounded by members of his devoted family and close friends on May 29, 2022.

He was born in Waterbury on January 24, 1937, the son of the late Mae (Opalak) Rogers and Arthur Rogers.

Richard has been a resident of Middlebury for the past 35 years and previously resided in Waterbury for many years. He graduated from Levenworth High School. He had a long career at Scovill Manufacturing Company where he was a tool and die maker. Richard also taught blueprint reading and math at Kaynor Technical High School. In his retirement he worked at St. Vincent DePaul in Waterbury, CT and Saint Anthony’s Church in Prospect, CT.

Richard was the beloved husband of Mary Lou Rogers for 59 wonderful years. He was the loving father to Krista Hilbie and her husband Timothy Hilbie of Kensington, CT, Beth Friedman and her husband Scott Friedman of Natick, MA, and Paul Rogers of Middlebury, CT.
Richard also leaves to cherish his memory his eight grandchildren: Connor Hilbie, Reid Hilbie, Evan Hilbie, Griffin Hilbie, Grace Rogers, Ricky Rogers, Philip Friedman and Samantha Friedman.

He was predeceased by beloved son Richard Rogers, brother Arthur Rogers, sister, Ruth Sullivan, brothers-in-law, David Linskey, Francis Linskey and Donald Sullivan, sister-in-law Anne Linskey and nephews Phillip Sullivan and Barton Sullivan

He was very loyal to family, friends, and his local community. He was instrumental in starting the Bunker Hill Sports Association. Richard established and proudly worked on the Ed Crimmins Scholarship Fund in memory of his dear friend. He was very honored when he received the Anderson Boys’ Club Humanitarian Service Award in 2001.

Richard enjoyed spending time with family and friends and was happiest watching his grandchildren’s activities and “not so quietly” coaching from the stands. He enjoyed vacationing with family, playing basketball and golfing.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, June 2, from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at the Bergin Funeral Home 290 East Main St. Waterbury. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, June 3, at 1:30 P.M. at The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, 74 W Main St, Waterbury, followed by a burial at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to benefit Richard’s great niece who was born with a rare disease in July of 2021. Donations can be made to Mary Lou Rogers C/O Bergin Funeral Home 290 East Main St. Waterbury, CT 06702 or Venmo@Beth-Friedman-7