Dale Rogers, a lifelong resident of Oak Bluffs, died at the Cape Cod Hospital in the early hours on Oct. 14. The cause was a massive heart attack.

He was the youngest child of the late Phyllis and John Rogers of Oak Bluffs, born at the old cottage hospital in Oak Bluffs on Oct. 9, 1959. According to his siblings, he was born with a smile on his face. He continued smiling throughout his life, which his family and friends still marvels about even today.

He spent most of his life in the family home, on what was then named Franklin street and is now Garvin street, surrounded by aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Dale was a standout basketball and tennis player who honed his skills on the courts at Niantic Park, which was the source of sports for many Oak Bluffs boys. There they formed tight friendships that have lasted throughout their lives, with many of them and their fans still wearing their purple Niantic Park T-shirts.

The joy of his life were his two daughters, Talia and Olivia Rogers, and Talia’s four children. He spent many happy hours with them, watching their sporting events, at the beach, joining them at cookouts, celebrating birthdays, taking long walks through the state forest and land bank properties and enjoying family get-togethers. He was a proud member of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah).

Dale is survived by his daughter Talia and her children Isaiah Geddis and Eagan, Noah and Ayianna Gibson; his daughter Olivia Rogers; his sister Stephaniie White, her husband Bill and their daughter Sudaara; his brother John Rogers Jr. and Gloria Taylor; and his nephew Evan Rogers and his wife Babette and their two sons Kelley and Tristan.

He is also survived by his former wife and lifelong friend Mary Alley, who is Talia’s mother; Olivia’s mother, Debbie Reese; and numerous relatives and close friends.

He was predeceased by his parents and sisters, Corinne and Yvette Rogers.

Thanks to the almost 300 people who have shown their love for Dale and his family by feeding them with food, many messages of love and with kindness.

A celebration of life is planned for next summer.

Please remember Dale by sharing his kindness and smile with those you meet, whether they friends or strangers.