Richard Rogers
Old Lyme — This quiet Marine, Richard B. Rogers, 94, passed away on July 14, 2018, with all the dignity, grace and strength that he exhibited in his 94 years of life. His wife, Nancy Chase, was at his side, as was his daughter, Chase Theodora.
Dick Rogers was much beloved. Raised in Atlantic City, Dick Rogers did not wait for the draft, but left Lafayette College to volunteer for the U.S. Marine Corps in 1944. He stuffed himself with bananas to make the weight minimum. He recounted his service as constant seasickness commanding Marine detachments onboard troop ships, and ferrying soldiers back to the States. Dick much preferred to tell the story of how he met the love of his life, Nancy Chase, as a very hungover costumed monkey, since each year’s class in the executive training squad at Macy’s was required to dress as animals for the Thanksgiving Day Parade. He and Nancy married in 1952, and nurtured a loving relationship for the next 66 years.
It was capped in their inimitable way by eight days together in the same skilled nursing room, following Nancy’s injury from a fall, as Dick was fighting what was his final illness. Nancy is now well, nursing sore ribs, but mostly sorely missing her partner and best friend of so long.
Dick earned his undergraduate education at Lafayette, and an MBA from Babson College. He spent his career working in the business side of the fashion industry in Connecticut and New York City, for Macy’s, McCall’s, Butterick and Simplicity, until his retirement in 1980. Thereafter, the Phillies, Democratic politics, golf (which he shared with son-in-law Ted), Nancy’s passion for equestrian sports, and especially his daughter Chase, and grandchildren Sean and Ned O’Hanlan, kept this consummate gentleman and gentle soul engaged, entertained, relevant and beloved for the duration of his time on this earth. Rest in peace, good friend. To share a memory of Dick, or send a condolence to his family, please visit www. rwwfh.com. Arrangements by Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home in Centerbrook.