Richard K. Rogers

Richard K. Rogers

July 05, 1935 ~ June 05, 2021

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Richard K. Rogers, age 85, of Vero Beach, passed away June 5, 2021, at home.

Richard was born in Piney Point, Maryland, with one foot in the water and one foot in the sand.  His affinity with the water influenced him throughout his life, mainly enjoying boating and fishing around the Potomac River, the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.  His love for the water and boating can be seen in the scratch built radio controlled model boats he built, which he named the Rajah Line, after the name of his father’s workboat.

Richard spent most of his life in the Washington, D. C., Metropolitan area and Solomons, MD, moving to Vero Beach with his wife Annie in May 2009.

He was a veteran of the United States Navy, having served onboard the USS Point Defiance as a ships helmsman, small boat coxswain, gigs (small transportation boats for the Captain), LCVP (Landing Craft Vehicle Personnel), etc., as well as maintaining the ship’s armory and guns.  He was listed as a Gunners Mate 3rd class.  He thoroughly enjoyed his time in the Navy.

After leaving service in San Diego, he returned to the Washington D.C. area and was hired as a cartographer at the National Geographic Society, a career he loved.  During his almost 36 years his responsibilities varied from challenging to creative to exciting and to just plain fun.   He was often sought out for projects involving creativity due to his artistic talents.

One of his favorite assignments was taking care of the Map Room at the White House.  At that time the Map Room was a small, cozy, warm room just off the Oval Office.  On one occasion he opened the door and President George H. W. Bush was leaning back in a chair, feet on the table, no jacket, hands behind his head and a pleasant smile on his face while listening to country music. The President commented that this was his favorite room as it offered a quiet space where he could get away from everything and that he really loved to peruse maps.

Richard was a member and active volunteer at Calvert Marine Museum in Solomons, MD, Solomons Island Model Boat Club, Solomons Island Yacht Club, Vero Beach Yacht Club and Indian River Model Sailing Club.  He thoroughly enjoyed whatever activities he became involved in and his talents and energies were always appreciated.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Annie; his nieces, Laura Williams and Angie Mastrovito; his nephew, Frank Barba; and his former wife and good friend, Barbara Rogers.

Richard was predeceased by his parents, Richard and Nancy Rogers, his sister, Pat Barba and his brother, Lance Rogers.

Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 2300 5th Ave., #150, Vero Beach, FL  32960, VNA Hospice, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960, or the Michael J. Fox Foundation, P. O. 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014.

Arrangements by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.

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Condolence

Gail DeGioia - Friend

June 15, 2021, 3:40 pm

I also miss him and love being here for you. much Love Gail

Jim & Anita Shepherd - Solomons friend

June 17, 2021, 11:53 am

So very sorry Annie.

Dennis and Janis King - Friend

June 18, 2021, 11:09 am

We have good memories of a fun and quirky fellow!

Maudine Clayborn-Cochran - Friend

June 18, 2021, 11:58 am

Al and I really missed Richard and Annie went they left Solomons for Vero Beach. We are so sad to hear of Richard’s passing and send our prayers to Annie. Annie and Richard were a beautiful couple and loved their life together. The Cochrans

Barbara Raley - Friend

June 18, 2021, 1:22 pm

I have fond memories of Richard. Annie so sorry for your loss.

Carmen Gambrill - Friend

June 18, 2021, 1:34 pm

Annie..my sincere condolences. It seems like only yesterday we were hanging out in Solomons. He was a wonderful friend who made it apparent how much he loved you.

maarja gandy - friend

June 18, 2021, 2:23 pm

So sorry Annie, think fondly of both of you.

Donna Miller - friend

June 19, 2021, 1:54 pm

Annie: A beautiful sole is never forgotten and Richard was indeed a beautiful person — loving life and loving you. My sincere sympathy with love to you.

Dick & Tina Devoe - Friend

June 19, 2021, 8:04 pm

O Captain! My Captain! Sail on Dick…Your sails will always be full!

Mike and Judi wisniewski - friends

June 25, 2021, 5:45 pm

Richard is truly missed and he couldn’t have had a better mate than you have been through the wonderful and the tragic. So sorry for your loss.

Logan Hendricks - Friends

June 26, 2021, 12:04 am

Cap and Carolyn – Friends. We will always remember our visits with Annie and Richard in Solomons, Idaho, and Florida. Such great memories. We will always be grateful to Richard for taking care of our Annie and making her happy. As always sending our love.

Barbara and Alan Ebstein - Friends

June 27, 2021, 5:20 pm

Richard and you have shared some wonderful experiences, and some sorrowful times. He deserves a welcome rest in peace. We send our condolences to you, Annie, and your family.

Tom L Gray - Co-worker

July 1, 2021, 12:49 am

I worked with Dick Rogers at National Geographic Society for decades. He was a good mentor for map work. He also loved a good time, so was fun to be around.

Jim Oppy - Friend

September 17, 2021, 1:37 am

So sorry about Dick’s passing. He was my customer for several years when I was at R.R. Donnelley in C’ville, Indiana. He was a friend as well as a ‘customer ‘

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