November 2024 “Lights of Peace” Flag to honor – Corporal Stephen J. Rogers

 

 

During the month of November, the 62nd Lights for Peace flag to fly at the Fort Taber – Fort Rodman Military Museum honors the memory of United States Army veteran Stephen Joseph Rogers from New Bedford, MA.

Steve was born on July 16, 1932, in New Bedford, to Joseph Rogers and Mary (Oliveira) Rogers. He spent his childhood in Dartmouth, MA and graduated from Dartmouth High School. He went on to graduate from Fitchburg State College with a bachelor’s degree in education.

While living at 16 Pauline St., New Bedford, Rogers was inducted in the United States Army on December 5, 1952, in Boston, MA and began his active-duty status on July 16, 1932. He was stationed at Camp Kilmer, New Jersey, which according to the National Archives, “was briefly reactivated for the Korean War, but lost its status to Fort Dix as the major processing point by the mid-1950s.”

Rogers was assigned to the 1814 HQS Co. 1st BN 18th Infantry. He served for a total of 2 years and 4 months and was honorably discharged on November 16, 1954, at the rank of Corporal. He received the Army of Occupation Medal and the National Defense Service Medal for his military service.

Upon completing his military service, Rogers became the owner/operator of Whaling City Drywall for many years before using his teaching degree to become a Carpentry Instructor at Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School in Rochester, MA.

Steve married his wife, Helen (Seferiadis) Rogers on July 3, 1966, and had two children, Christopher and Elaine. According to his son, although his dad ran his own business, he always made time to get involved in his children’s activities. “He was the ultimate family man.” Chris explained that he started playing hockey at the age of three and his dad became his hockey coach. His dad coached him throughout his youth and then Steve went on to become a hockey referee.

According to his wife, Helen, Steve had many passions including reading, biking, golfing, painting, traveling and volunteering. She described him as a “renaissance man,” who was eager to learn and become knowledgeable in the many areas of interest he had. He was an avid reader who would consume as much knowledge as he could about biking, golfing and traveling.

Helen said she became known as a “golfer’s widow,” since after working at school, Steve would head to the golf course. He would also spend most of his weekends on the golf course if the weather permitted. He also encouraged his daughter, Elaine, and son, Chris, to golf with him.

As an avid cyclist, it was also nothing for him to ride 50 to 100 miles per week. His daughter explained that her dad encouraged her to ride as well. As a preteen, “he even signed us up to do

a 50-mile leg of the Flattest Century in the East put on by the Narragansett Wheelmen. He waited ahead throughout the ride for me, using the time to assist or chat with other cyclists.”

Helen recalled the many trips they took abroad to Greece, England, Italy, Portugal and Germany. She explained that Steve loved to visit museums and learn the history of each country they visited. The highlights of their travels included visiting Michelangelo’s Statue of David, located in Florence, Italy and seeing the Pope out on the balcony in Rome, Italy, not once but twice, purely by chance.

According to his obituary, Rogers was an ice hockey AHA and NCAA referee and a member of the Narragansett Bay Wheelman, a bicycling club. He was also a member of the Marion, Allendale and New Bedford Country Clubs. He served on the New Bedford Cultural Council and the Veteran’s Advisory Board. He was also a member of the Zeiterion Theater, the Friends of Buttonwood Park and the Whaling Museum.

Stephen Joseph Rogers died on May 25, 2021, at the age of 88. He is survived by his wife, Helen of New Bedford; his son, Christopher Joseph Rogers and his daughter, Elaine Rogers, both of Dartmouth, and two grandchildren.

Elaine described her dad as a “sweet and mild-mannered guy,” who she could always rely on. She recalled his “selflessness” and looks back on times her dad always did for others.

Linda Ferreira, of Empire Ford, researches the life histories of area residents. American flags are provided by Empire Ford. Flags are raised by the staff at Fort Taber – Fort Rodman Military Museum. Those who would like to honor a local veteran in the future can contact Ferreira at lferreira@empirefordinc.com.