Hugh J. Rodgers, Jr.

Hugh J Rodgers Jr., 83, of the Township of Washington, N.J., passed away unexpectedly at home on Friday, October 31.

Born and raised in Scranton, Pa., Hugh J was the son of the late Hugh J and Alice (Fitzsimmons) Rodgers. He attended St. Paul’s School and Scranton Preparatory School, and graduated from the University of Scranton in 1965 with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology.

After college, Hugh J completed Officer Candidate School in Rhode Island and proudly served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Bexar during the Vietnam War. He continued his service in the Naval Reserve until 1968.

In 1969, Hugh J began what became a 35-year career with Ryder Truck Rental, starting in Reading, Pa., and later managing operations across New Jersey and New York. He retired as District Manager of Ryder Systems, Carlstadt NJ in 2004.

Hugh had a deep love for his community. When Washington Township launched its local TV channel, WCTV, he hosted his own show for a time. He was also a proud member of the Hobbyists of Ridgewood, where he played tennis and bowled with friends well into his later years.

If you knew Hugh J, you knew how much he loved sports. He never missed a game when his kids were playing and followed his son Zeke’s high school and college football careers with devotion. Even after his own children grew up, he continued to cheer on his grandchildren and could often be found at local high school games, enjoying the energy and camaraderie of the crowd.

He and his beloved wife, Meg O’Brien Rodgers—who passed away in 2018—shared a love of travel and adventure. Together they explored the world, visiting their daughter’s family abroad and traveling throughout the U.K., Europe, Australia, New Zealand, East Asia, and South America. Hugh also loved cooking for family and friends—especially his homemade pizza, chili, and minestrone soup, which became family favorites.

Hugh J leaves behind his daughter, Maggie White, his son in law John White and their children William and Grace, and his son, Zeke Rodgers with April McLaughlin and their children Maloria, CorleyAnn and Mack. He is also survived by his sister, Tina Lesher, his brother, Michael Rodgers, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, his wife Meg, and his sister, Nancy Kay Holmes.

The family will receive guests at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, N.J. 07675, on Friday, November 14, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Good Counsel Roman Catholic Church, 668 Ridgewood Road, Township of Washington, N.J. 07676, on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), in honor of Hugh’s military service.