Mark B. Rogers

Mark Benjamin Rogers, age 92, of Westwood, on Thursday May 18, 2017. Born to Helen and Herman Rogers, he grew up in Newton. Mark is survived by brother David & Theresa Rogers of NYC, and children John Rogers & Beth Elliott of Westwood, MA; Julie & Greg Love of Sunapee, NH; Bill Rogers & Carin Lee of South Berwick, ME; and Nancy & Rich Belisle of St Joseph, MI. His wife Susan of 58 years preceded him in death, as did older brother Leonard Rogers, and younger brother Joe Rogers. His grandchildren Liz & Cesar Castro, Whitney Love, Mitchell & Hannah Belisle, Renee Belisle, Amelia and Miles Lee-Rogers, Ellie, Maddie, and Sadie Rogers, as well as great-grandchildren Carina, Mateo and George all loved their “Puppa” very much. Mark is also survived in death by many beloved sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews, as well as his dear friend of the past two years Catherine Hinds.

Mark was known in his community and family as a kind gentleman who would always be there to lend a hand. He got his start as a saxophonist as a kid in Newton playing with the likes of George Wein, and other notables. At 18 he joined the U.S. Navy, where he not only served as a seaman on the USS Prince William throughout the South Pacific during WWII; but also formed his ship’s band, and delighted the troops with his big band sound. As a graduate of UMass/Amherst where he played football and hockey, he made his way in the business world as a shoe sales manager for Plymouth, Dexter, and Osceola Shoe companies, and later as an independent sales rep for the U.S. Coast Guard, which he especially loved.

His love of the big band sound led him to spearhead the formation of the Westwood Swing Band more than 25 years ago, and he led the band through a prolific period of showmanship that included a dense schedule of community gigs throughout the year. His other band contributions also knew no bounds, as he marched with the Roma Band well into his ‘80s, and filled in with many other community music makers. We all remember the special stop he made to honor Susan on Washington Street in Norwood when marching in the 4th of July parade. As a saxophonist and clarinetist, he was a versatile musician, but Mark was never happier than when he was giving the intro to the songs he loved, and leading his band on a peppy rendition of many of the old greats. “And a one, and a two….”

After raising four kids in their rambling historical farm house (ca. 1720 Samuel Onion), and hosting many family members throughout the years, including an immigrant family from Laos, as well as many students through the Metco program; Mark and Susan found themselves in the unenviable position of empty nesters. So in the 1980’s they took the natural step of opening their home even more, and thereby founded The Copper Beach Bed and Breakfast. From there they continued to entertain guests with their friendly easygoing hospitality, stories of their travels, and Susan’s famous breakfasts.

In Mark’s final years at Sunrise Assisted Living of Norwood, he was known as a kind gentleman, who was loved by staff and fellow residents alike. Such a contributor to the end, he often was called upon to play his horn or his licorice stick for resident musical performances. He took on the task of staining the deck furniture one summer, insuring his legacy there, as in his greater Boston Community, as the guy who made music and could always be counted on. Mark will be sorely missed.

Services at Temple Beth David, 7 Clapboardtree Street, Westwood on Monday, May 22 at 11:00am. Burial at Ohavi Sedek Cemetery, 350 Grove Street, West Roxbury. Following burial, memorial observance will be at John & Beth’s home until 6:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Work, Inc., www.workinc.org, or South Norfolk County Arc, www.arcsouthnorfolk.org.