Ralph Buck Edward Rogers

LCDR Ralph “Buck” Edward Rogers, USN (Ret), age 89, of Atlanta, passed away on March 7, 2017. Ralph was born to the late Helen McBain and Ralph E Rogers, May 13, 1927, in Revere, Massachusetts. One of “The Greatest Generation” Ralph grew up in the depression, not knowing how poor his family was until he became an adult. As a child, he contributed to the income of his mother and sisters when he got his first job selling magazines beginning at the age of 6. A few years later he added another job of delivering groceries for the local grocer, Mr. Bloom. As WWII went into full swing, he left school in the 8th grade, picked up a sledge hammer, and worked the night shift at the Boston Shipyard helping to build the ships for the war effort. On May 16, 1944, 3 days after he turned 17, Ralph enlisted in the Navy where he was sent to Naval Training School in Bedford Springs, Penn. There, he graduated as an Electronics Technician first class, just in time to spend a few months in the Pacific Theater at the end of WWII aboard the USS Athanasia. While on board, he and his crewmates crossed the International Date Line heading west on Monday 13 August, therefore skipping Tuesday, the 14th, which most historians will record as V-J Day. The crew received the official news from Honorable James Forrestal, Secretary of the Navy, at 1100 hours on 15 August. From a quote from his Commanding officer's log of this event, “Not until we left Okinawa on 12 September with blackout regulations lifted, did we begin to really enjoy “The Blessings of Peace”. Feeling no terror in the drone of plane, seeing no horror in the sight of a submarine, showing navigation lights at full brilliance, having movies on deck, leaving ports open, and not having mail censored gives one the sense of security which is worth fighting for.” And so began his rise from a Seaman Recruit to Lt. Commander during his 25 year career with the Navy. During his career, Ralph trained and excelled in a variety of areas, including electrical engineering, military justice, and aviation, which included MATS flights, flight instructor, training pilots in basic, precision, and aerobatic flying. He ended his career flying as a Hurricane Hunter out of NAS Jacksonville. He served our country during WWII, Korea and the Vietnam War earning The National Defense Service (Second Award) Air Medal, Korean Service Medal, and United Nations Service Award. After his retirement, Ralph moved “Out West” (California, Nevada, Arizona, & Idaho) and enjoyed spending his time with family, swimming, learning to dance, was an avid reader of history, science, biographies, and mastering the ancient Japanese art of Karaoke. He had a keen sense of humor with many stories to tell, including many 'salty' navy tales. When greeting you, he would always say, "put your hand in this bear trap" for a robust handshake followed by his BIG, overwhelming bear hug. He was a ‘mean’ scrabble player who would sometimes let you win, gentleman who he was. Being a simple man, he was frugal but generous to all. He moved to Atlanta in 2012 and tried desperately to become a southerner. But he just couldn’t take the Boston accent out of his ya’lls! He will be sorely missed by his family and those who had the pleasure of experiencing his unvarnished honesty, dulcet voice and smooth dance moves. He is survived by his 5 children, Michael A. Rogers (Stephanie) Augusta, Ga., Wendy A. Deitch (Gilbert) Atlanta, Ga., Linda A. Rogers-Duffield (Geoff) Alpena, Mi., Rebecca A. Richter (Dan) Meridian, Idaho and John A. Rogers (Jan)Eagle, Idaho. He was “Grampaw” to 10 grandchildren, 2 great granddaughters. He was brother to sisters, Gladys Spring, Loveland, Oh., Alice Finneran, Peabody, Mass. and Millie Lowry, Peabody, Mass. and uncle to many nieces and nephews spread throughout the US. There will not be a memorial or funeral service. The family is keeping a private tribute at Ralph’s request. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Homestead Hospice, 1080 Holcomb Bridge Road, Bldg. 200, Suite 100, Roswell, Georgia 30076.