Of Belmont, New Hampshire passed away Monday afternoon July 21st, 2014 in his home surrounded by his loving children after a courageous battle with cancer at the age of 77.
Born on August 5, 1936 in Waltham; son of the late Joseph and Ella (Terrio) Rogers, Donald was raised and lived most of his life in Waltham before moving to Belmont, New Hampshire in 1982.
After school Donald proudly served with the United States Marine Corps. during the Korean War.
Donald was a Firefighter with the City of Waltham Fire Department for 22 years. He was appointed to the Waltham Fire Department on May 3, 1970 and retired on December 12, 1992. He was a member of the Waltham Fire Department Local #866 and the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts.
As a young man he owned and operated Empire Auto and Don’s Auto Mechanics both in Waltham for many years. Since 1982 he owned and operated Belmont Auto & Salvage in Belmont, New Hampshire.
In his spare time he enjoyed fishing, going to the beach, bird watching, working on mechanics, playing pool, listening to big band music and caring for animals especially his buddy “Thomas the Cat”.
As an avid pool player he was a member of the American Poolplayers Association and the Billiards Congress of America. He was also a member of the Elks Lodge and the American Legion.
Family was most important to Donald especially his grandchildren.
He is survived by his loving children Christine M. “Crisy” Pelletier and her husband Ronald Pelletier Jr. of Townsend, David B. Rogers of Plymouth, NH, and Susan Marie Chagnon and her husband Robert Chagnon Jr. of Waltham, his cherished grandchildren Michael, Jessica and Laura Pelletier, Robert Dagostino, Ryen and Jake Chagnon, his great grandson James Rollins, his siblings Carol Marchione of Framingham, Daniel Rogers of Ashland, Robert Rogers of Auburn, Mary Ellen “Dee” Brissenden of Waltham, Joseph Rogers of Salem and John Rogers of Belmont, MA. In addition he is survived by his loving companion of 14 years Priscilla Favreau of New Hampshire and many nieces, nephews and close friends.
"A special thank you to Uncle Joe for all his help and spiritual guidance he gave his brother the past 4 years."
There will be a moment of silence followed by escort of Donald from the Brasco & Sons Memorial, 773 Moody Street, WALTHAM on Monday morning July 28th at 8:30 a.m. to Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted Church, 880 Trapelo Road , Waltham, MA. Church Services will begin at 10:00 am where there will be a Mass of Christian Burial in celebration of Donald's Life followed by Waltham Fire Department Honors.
Interment with United States Marine Corps Honors will be held at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, New Hampshire on Monday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. Visiting Hours will be held in the Funeral Home on Sunday July 27th from 2 – 6 p.m. Parking attendants on duty.
In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy may be made in Donald's memory to the Newton Firefighters Children's Fund Inc, 18 Berkley St, Waltham, MA 02451 or the charity of one’s choice.
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