Obituary of William Rogers

William "Bill" B. Rogers, Jr., 76, of Hawkins Road, Putnam, died Tuesday, December 29, 2009 at the Matulaitis Nursing Home in Putnam. He was the beloved husband of Phyllis (Labossiere) Rogers. He was born December 12, 1933 in Holyoke, MA, son of the late William B. and Susan (O'Donnell) Rogers.

He made his home in Putnam most of his life, a communicant of ST Mary Church of the Visitation. Bill was a manufacturing engineer, he started his working career with Pratt and Whitney in their Apprenticeship Program. He worked 32 years for Kaman Aerospace in Moosup and Bloomfield, retiring in 1991. In his youth Bill was a standout athlete in several sports at Putnam High School. He was an avid Red Sox and NY Giant fan. He enjoyed bowling, golf, bird watching, and playing cards with friends, a former member of the Putnam Elks. After his retirement he wintered with his wife in Florida for several years.

He leaves his wife of 55 years, Phyllis, two sons William Rogers, III and his wife Debra of Vernon; John Rogers and his wife Susan of Putnam; two daughters: Kathleen Royce and her husband Brian of Newington; Maureen Dexter and her husband Mark of Ellington; grand children: William ; Crystal; Desirae; Ramon; Alexis; Emily; Patrick; Madison; Marek; great grand children: William and Adonis; sisters: Shirley Lavin of Ledyard; Susan Duquette and Mary Violet Santerre both of North Grosvenordale; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Rose Mary.

The funeral will be Saturday at 9:30 from the Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove Street, Putnam followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM in ST Mary Church of the Visitation, 218 Providence Street, Putnam. Calling hours Friday from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Funeral Home. Burial will follow in ST Mary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations in his memory to Alzheimer's Association, 279 New Britain Road, Suite 5, Kensington, CT 06037. To share a memory "Light a Candle" at www.smithandwalkerfh.com