Jerome (Jerry) Everett Rogers died unexpectedly from heart complications on May 10. He was 80.

Jerry was born in Oak Bluffs on Nov. 19, 1940, to Everett and Genevieve Rogers. He graduated from the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School in 1960, and immediately went to work at the family businesses. He spent most of his career running Rogers’ Freight and Coca Cola Distribution together with his father and brother Jimmy. If you drank beer or soda on Martha’s Vineyard between the 1960s and 1990s, chances are Jerry delivered it.

After the businesses were sold, Jerry spent his summers working for the VTA, shuttling passengers all over the Island. He loved being around people and getting them safely to their destinations. He was extremely handy — plumbing, electrical, construction, he did it all and could fix anything. Friends said he put the Jerry in Jerry-rig.

In 1975 he married Susan (Skerry) Rogers, who was his best friend and soul mate for 45 years. They did everything together and always enjoyed each other’s company, whether taking a drive or watching their favorite shows.

Jerry and Suzy spent winters at their condo in Dania Beach, Fla., and for the past 20 years they looked forward to their annual trip to Florida each January to enjoy the sunshine and spend time with friends. At the end of May, they would return home to their many family and friends in the Northeast. Although he was a snowbird, Jerry called Oak Bluffs home all his life.

He had been nursing a broken heart since Suzy died last year after a long battle with cancer. Ironically, he died on what would have been her 72nd birthday. He was a wonderful man with a huge heart, kind soul and a great sense of humor. He had many friends, and everyone loved to be around him. He was also like a second dad to many of his children’s friends.

He is survived by his son Andrew Rogers and his wife Wendy; daughters Julie Gales and her husband Dickie, and Amy Smith and her husband Will; grandchildren Jasmine Devine Sherman, Kayleigh Gales, Nolan and Christopher Rogers; a brother James Rogers and his wife Sylvia; and sisters Mary Ellen Rogers, Alita Zalgenas and her husband Ben, Susan Absten and her husband Bud; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family expresses gratitude and appreciation to Amy and her husband Will, who were there every step of the way, through Suzy’s cancer, Covid and Jerry’s broken heart, making sure they were okay, grocery shopping, taking trips off-Island for doctor’s visits and everything in between. Will’s unwavering support, including all the home-cooked meals, were the icing on the cake.

A combined memorial service will be held for Jerry and Suzy at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 26, at the Chapman Funeral Home in Oak Bluffs. A gathering at the Portuguese American Club will follow.

Donations can be made to the American Heart Association in memory of Jerry or the Susan G. Komen Foundation in memory of Suzy.

For online guestbook and more information, please visit chapmanfuneral.com.