John S. Rogers, 74, Was Veteran of the U.S. Navy

John S. Rogers of Oak Bluffs died unexpectedly Sunday, August 29, at Martha's Vineyard Hospital. He was 74.

John was the husband of Phyllis (Gonsalves) Rogers and they were married for 52 years.

He was born in Birmingham, Ala., on Dec. 9, 1929, the son of John S. Rogers and Eloise Moore. He lived in Chicago since he was seven and was graduated from high school before enlisting in the United States Navy.

He was stationed aboard the U.S.S. Yosemite (AD-19) and the U.S.S. Leary (DDR-879) during the Korean Conflict. He was discharged in October of 1952 from Newport Naval Base.

John came to the Island to work at the plastic factory at the airport. He later worked for Mr. Church and Thomas DeMonte as a painter before coming self-employed for 20 years.

John had several fulfilling part-time jobs, that of projectionist for MV Movies for 42 years, that of school crossing guard in Vineyard Haven and basketball referee for the Island schools and the RCBL basketball league.

He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church. He also was a member of the VFW Post 9261, American Legion Post 257 and the Oriental-Martha's Vineyard Masonic Lodge.

John Rogers is survived by his wife; two sons, John S. Rogers 3rd and his companion, Gloria T. Talor, both of Vineyard Haven, and Dale Rogers of Oak Bluffs; two daughters, Stephanie White and her husband, William White, of Oak Bluffs and Corrine Rogers and her companion, Bob White, of Edgartown; his sister, Barbara Woodhouse, and her husband, Brock, of Chicago, and his grandchildren, Evan Elliot Rogers, Sudaara White, Talia Rogers and Olivia Rogers. He was predeceased by his daughter, Yvette Rogers, and his brother, Louis Rogers.

His memorial service will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church on the Camp Ground at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 3. Donations may be made in his memory to the Boys' and Girls' Club of Martha's Vineyard, P.O. Box 654, Edgartown, MA 02539. Arrangements are under the care of the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home in Oak Bluffs.