Obituary of Francis Norris Rogers

Francis Norris Rogers, also known as “Sam”, age 83, of Buckhannon, WV, died Sunday, January 7, 2024, at his home. He was born July 16, 1940, in Bridgeton, NJ, a son of the late Ralph H. Rogers Sr. and the late Dorothy Gertrude Hetzell Rogers. He is survived by his first wife and mother of his children, Kathleen Doherty Rogers; two daughters, Catherine Ann Irizarry of Newburgh, NY and Frances Noleen Hall and husband Jerome Joseph Hall of Scotia, NY; one granddaughter, Caridad Aine Irizarry of Newburgh; three grandsons, Jeremy Francis Hall, Andrew Philip Hall, and James Joseph Hall and his Fiancé, Ashley Jeffries all of Scotia; two great granddaughters, Morgann and Reagann Hall both of Scotia; two great  grandsons, Oliver Nolan Hall and Liam Ace Hall both of Scotia; two sisters Eleanor Darby and husband Dale Darby of Cumberland County NJ and Jean O’Donnell of Laurel Lake NJ, a brother, Marvin Rogers whose whereabouts are unknown, and many many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his Pastor and “adopted” son, Jeff Cochran of Buckhannon WV and his friends and “adopted daughter and son-in-law”, Karen and Thomas Young both of Buckhannon WV, and one son-in-law, William Irizarry III of Newburgh NY. He is predeceased by one brother Ralph Rogers Jr. and four sisters; Millicent Johnson, Dorothy Johnson, Charlotte Crammer and Elizabeth Lloyd all of Cumberland County NJ. Mr. Rogers was a proud member of the Armed Forces of the United States where he honorably served on active duty in the U.S. Navy from 1957 to 1961 and received a Good Conduct Medal. While temporarily stationed at the U. S. Naval Operating Base in Londonderry, Northern Ireland, Derry, he met Kathleen Doherty at the Northern Counties Hotel in Derry City. After completing his duty with the U.S. Navy and upon his return home, he would reunite with Kathleen who had by then immigrated to the U.S. and sent him a letter that she was living in New York City. She became his wife in 1961 and again in 1993 and was the only woman he proclaimed during his whole life that he ever truly loved and gave his heart to. He would begin a lifelong career with the New York  Telephone Company managing, participating in and developing new technologies in telecommunications throughout his career and the growth of the New York Telephone Company until he retired from Verizon New York. He was proud of his work ethic and never missed a day of work for illness in his entire career. He was an old-fashioned gentleman and a great conversationalist.  He loved to write letters and poems inspired by the spirit within him. He loved music and was self-taught in many instruments that included guitar, clarinet, organ, piano and lastly saxophone. He enjoyed going to the Gandy Dancer Dinner Theatre in Elkins, WV where he attended many performances of the Tribute to Musical Legends. He loved animals,  the beach and taking long walks and scenic drives. Most of all he loved his families, his first wife, Kathleen and his daughters Catherine and Frances and all of his grandkids and great grandkids in NY, his sisters and family in NJ, and his extended family in Buckhannon WV. He was a dedicated family member of the New Life Tabernacle where he was known as Brother Sam and was a mentor to all and loved by all, young and old. Friends will be received Sunday, January 14, 2024,  from Noon to 1 PM at the New Life Tabernacle. A memorial service will be held 1 PM Sunday at the church with Pastor Jeff Cochran officiating. The Upshur County Honor Guard will conduct military honors. In honoring his wishes, Mr. Rogers will be cremated. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.