Roger Walter Rogers

Roger Walter Rogers, age 95, of Naples, Florida, formerly of Rancho Palos Verdes, California, and Gary, Indiana passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones at his home in Naples on November 12, 2018. Roger was the beloved son of Stanislav and Rozalia Sobotko and the loving brother of Jo Mitchell and Hariette Patterson. He is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Del, born Adeline Anna Labny. He was the cherished father of Susan Jo Rogers (Dennis Garvey), Paul Michael Rogers (Karyn Kessler), and Mark Michael Rogers and his treasured daughter-in-law, Christine Marie Rogers. He was the adored paternal grandfather to Brett Michael Rogers, Caitlyn Marie Rogers and Estella Sofia Delayne Rogers. Grandpa’s loving and gentle spirit touched many lives especially Isabela, Aisla, Hudson, and Owen Mallett.

There will be Memorial Mass November 30, 2018 at 2:00 pm at St John the Evangelist Catholic Church, located at 625 111th Ave North, Naples Florida 34108.

The family will receive friends at Hodges Funeral Home, next to the church, following the Funeral Mass, from 3 to 6 p.m.

Glimpses of an Exceptional Life

Roger was born Walter Sobotko on August 9, 1923 in Gary, Indiana. He grew up with an abiding love for God, his family, his Polish heritage, his country, animals, nature, and fishing. As a young man, he made the Gary newspapers for catching fish on the Gary River in a secret location. Among his many pets was Blackie, a crow he had nurtured back to health that became a friend who would follow Roger to school and fly home on his own.

During his school years, Roger excelled in mathematics. In fact, in high school, Roger approached the school principal requesting more advanced mathematics courses. The principal agreed to offer the classes if Roger could get his fellow students to sign a petition in support of the new courses. He got the signatures and the classes were offered.

Roger’s mathematical brilliance and hard work helped him earn a full scholarship to attend engineering school in Indiana, but he deferred and joined the Army so that he could defend his country in World War II. Roger was selected to be a B-17G bombardier and navigator for the 305th Heavy Bombardment Group. He successfully flew 35 missions over Germany and survived his plane being shot down over Arras, France.

After completing his missions, Roger was honorably discharged at the rank of First Lieutenant. His military service was a singular point of honor for him throughout his life, and he remained a proud supporter of the U.S. military.

Following the war, Roger completed degrees in both Civil & Structural Engineering and Mechanical Engineering. During this time, he met Del at a friend’s wedding. Del made a lasting impression on Roger and a box of Valentine’s Day chocolates was a first step in what was to be an enduring love that lasted throughout their lives. The couple was married on October 1, 1950, and all who knew them together as a couple were moved by their love, devotion, respect, and commitment to and for each other.

After Roger and Del were married, he joined his brother-in-law in founding Temcor (Torrance Engineering Manufacturing Corporation). As Executive Vice President, Roger helped guide the company to long-term success in the field of transportation and the construction of geodesic domes all over the world. A formidable problem solver, Roger gave credit to God for his many inventions and successes. He made friends wherever he went and was deeply respected by his employees, clients, and even his competitors.

In 1960, Roger and Del were blessed with their daughter, Susan, through adoption. In 1962, they were blessed again with their son, Paul, also through adoption. In 1972, Roger and Del were blessed yet again with the birth of their son, Mark. A devoted and loving father, Roger passed along to his children a love for learning, the national parks, and fishing. For many years, the family lived in a beautiful home that Roger designed on the lovely Palos Verdes Peninsula overlooking the city of Los Angeles. In 1988, Roger, Del, and Mark moved to Naples, Florida to begin semi-retirement.

Among the many highlights of Roger’s life in Naples were the trips to Europe with Del, the years he spent accompanying Mark on the Bassmaster Tournament trail, yearly trips to the Florida Keys for lobster season, trips to Disney World, and walks with Del as a part of the Naples walking club. Roger and Del made each holiday season special for family and friends.

What Roger loved most was his family. He and Del especially loved spending time with Brett, Caitlyn, and Estella. A gentle and loving man, Roger helped to nurture his grandchildren through play, conversation, and genuine curiosity in their own interests.

In the final years of his life, in spite of struggles with his eyesight, Roger devoted himself to caring for Del who began battling dementia. His love and care for her made a lasting impression on everyone who knew them. Del was the love of his life, and he has been hers. He will be greatly missed each day and will live on in the hearts of all who loved him.