Thomas A. Rodgers III

Philanthropist and businessman in Southeast New England

Philanthropist and businessman Thomas A. Rodgers, III, 70, passed away Sunday night in Boston, Mass., after a brief illness.

Born March 30, 1945, in Fall River, Mass., Mr. Rodgers resided in Tiverton, R.I., with his beloved wife Gisela. He was the son of Thomas A. Rodgers, Jr., and Rita Hayes.

Mr. Rodgers attended St. John’s Preparatory School in Danvers, Mass., and graduated from Brown University in 1966. Upon graduation he went to work at the family company, Globe Manufacturing, which was founded by his father, Thomas A. Rodgers, Jr. Under Thomas III’s direction, Globe Manufacturing became the third largest supplier worldwide of Spandex and elastic fibers.

Mr. Rodgers III’s greatest achievements were as a philanthropist. He believed strongly in education and his Rodgers Family Foundation donated generously to organizations in Fall River such as Bristol Community College, the YMCA, and the Boys and Girls Club. The foundation also gave generously to Salve Regina University, where a donation helped fund the school’s graduate program in nursing. Mr. Rodgers III also helped establish the Tashirat Foundation in Tepoztlán, Mexico, which provides a home for abused children.

Mr. Rodgers III served on the board of directors at Salve Regina University, The United Way, Bristol Community College Foundation, President’s Council of Charlton Memorial Hospital, the former Fall River National Bank, and the Tiverton Industrial Commission. He was a member of the Acoaxet Club, Carnegie Abbey Club, Spindle Rock Club and Wannamoisett Country Club.

An avid boater, fisherman, cyclist, golfer and skier, Mr. Rodgers III grew up in Fall River and Westport, Mass., before settling in Tiverton, R.I., where he and Gisela raised their family. Together they celebrated their 44th anniversary last January.

Mr. Rodgers III is survived by his wife Gisela; sisters Geraldine Roos (Portsmouth, R.I.), Maureen Bateman and her husband Ted (Stuart, Fla.), and Christine Fennelly and her husband John (Westport, Mass.); children Alexandra Bonome and her husband Peter (Portsmouth, R.I.), Sarah McNeill and her husband Sean (Newport, R.I.), Melissa Rodgers (Tepotzlan, Mexico), Thomas A. Rodgers, IV and his wife Carrie (Longboat Key, Fla.); and six grandchildren.

A celebration of his life will be held at Salve Regina’s Ochre Court at 10:30 am on Sunday, November 15. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his honor may be made to Bristol Community College Foundation, 777 Elsbree St., Fall River, MA 02720.