Joseph Richard Rogers died peacefully at his home in North Port, Florida on Monday, December 23 at the age of 86. Joseph was born on June 24, 1938 in Canandaigua New York. He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Stella Rogers, his brothers Leo/Sonny (Carol) Rogers, Jimmy (Ernie) Rogers, and his sister Gladys Rogers Deagman.

Joe is survived by his devoted wife Jane, his loving children Stacy (Eric) Silver, Scott (Patty) Rogers, Julie Knapp, and Megan (Zachary) Griepsma, his cherished grandchildren Benjamin Rogers, Stella Knapp, Spencer Knapp, Samuel Griepsma and Lilah Griepsma, and by his brother Pat and sisters Irene/Sis, Betty/Gin, Emily (Don), Ina, and Eunice (Marvin).

Joe was a proud veteran of the US Air Force and served as an aircraft mechanic from 1957 to 1962. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Empire State College in the SUNY system, and worked as a manufacturing engineer at Xerox Corporation in Webster from 1963 to 1998.

Throughout his life Joe enjoyed caring for his home and yard, bird watching and athletics. He was an avid runner, racquetball player, and cyclist. He rode 75 miles to mark his 75th birthday and also completed many long rides including one of 100 miles.

Joe’s life was defined by the deep faith he shared with his wife, his steadfast commitment to his family, his patriotism, his friendly service to others, and his cheerful and positive attitude toward life.

Rest in peace, dear husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. You will forever be loved and missed, and your life will continue to inspire us all.

To share a memory or to send a condolence to the family, visit www.farleyfuneralhome.com. Services in Florida and New York will be announced; please continue to check the Farley Funeral Home website for details.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Wounded Warrior Project, www.woundedwarriorproject.org