F. Carl Rogers, 90, of Atkinson, N.H., former longtime resident of Haverhill and Salisbury Beach, died early Saturday morning, May 30, at Wingate at Haverhill, surrounded by his family.
Born in Haverhill, May 15, 1925, he was the youngest of four sons of the late Joseph A. and Lillian (McGaughey) Rogers and was a graduate of St. James High School.
A decorated war veteran of World War II, Rogers served with the United States Navy from May 14, 1943 until his honorable discharge Feb. 17, 1946 with the rank of Seaman First Class. He was stationed aboard the U.S.S. Coggswell, which was the ship that lead the American Fleet to Tokyo Bay at the surrender of Japan. He was the proud recipient of the World War II Victory Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Ribbon with 11 stars, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with two stars and the American Area Ribbon. He was a member of the V.F.W. Lorraine Post of Haverhill, the American Legion Post of Haverhill and the Tin Can Sailors.
After his military service he continued his education by graduating from Northeastern University with a criminal justice degree and pursed a lifelong career with the Haverhill Police Department from 1950 until his retirement as sergeant in 1985. While serving with the police department, he went on to graduate from the FBI Academy, Quantico, Virg., with the 92nd Session of the class of 1972 -1973. He also taught criminal justice at Northeastern University. During his years on the force, he began the original narcotics unit for the City of Haverhill with the late Anthony Caradonna. He was the recipient of numerous awards, including the Policeman of the Year Award in 1975 and again in 1978 and 1984; the Distinguished Public Service Award by the City of Haverhill in 1984 and 1986 and the Citation for Outstanding Service awarded by the House of Representatives and senate in 1984 and 1985. He was also a longtime member of the Massachusetts Police Association, lifelong member of St. James Parish of Haverhill and a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians of Newburyport.
In addition to his wife of 68 years, Gloria C. (Lavoie) Rogers of Atkinson, N.H., he is survived by his son, F. Carl Rogers Jr. and Leslie; his daughters, Kathleen A. Guarino and Jon; Marlene C. Rogers; Jean M. Grimes and William; Joyce E. Dube and George “Rick” and Janet L. Savastano; his 10 grandchildren, Charles S. Scott, IV; William P. Grimes; James F. Grimes; Kate E. Mattison; Emily R. Sice; F. Carl Rogers III; Meaghan J. Misuraca; Kristen A. Rogers; Ashley M. Dube and Michael R. Dube; nine great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Mary Rogers; along with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his daughter and her husband, Joan M. and Thomas J. Sice; his son-in-law, Richard J. Savastano and his three brothers, James A., Homer A. and W. Norris Rogers.
The family extends their most heartfelt thanks to the staff at Wingate at Haverhill and the Brookhaven Hospice for their care, compassion and sincere concern. It was much appreciated.
A funeral mass for family and friends will be riday, June 5, at 11 a.m., at St. James Church, 185 Winter St., Haverhill followed by interment in St. James Cemetery. By request of the family, there will be no visiting hours. Donations in his memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 480 Pleasant St., Watertown, MA 02472. Arrangements are by Paul C. Rogers Family-Carnevale Funeral Home, 334 Main Street, Haverhill.