Francis "John" Rodgers, 73, Avon Lake
Francis "John" Rodgers, 73, of Avon Lake formerly of Ebensburg, PA, passed away June 1 at his home of cancer. Mr. Rodgers was born November 5, 1927 in Cresson, PA and moved to Avon Lake in 1957. He was employed by the Avon Lake City Schools Board of Education, where he taught history and social studies for 37 years. Mr. Rodgers taught at the Avon Lake High School, Learwood Middle School, and Troy Intermediate School. Upon his retirement in 1994 and for the past 6 years, Mr. Rodgers continued his employment with the School System as a crossing guard.Shortly after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, at the age of 16, Mr. Rodgers quit high school to join the Merchant Marines. During his service with the Merchant Marines, he was stationed in the Pacific Ocean making several crossings and spending time in the Philippines. Following WWII, Mr. Rodgers returned home to finish high school and joined the Navy Reserves. At the onset of the Korean War, he joined the Marine Corp and served in Japan. Mr. Rodgers then earned Bachelor of Arts Degree from St. Francis College, Loretta, PA. He then earned his Masters Degree from the former Western Reserve University, Cleveland, in History.
Mr. Rodgers was a 50-year member of the V.F.W. American Legion and Moose Lodge in Ebensburg, PA. He was a member of the Merchant Marines Veterans Association. He was a member and usher at St. Joseph Catholic Church and a member of the St. Vincent DePaul Society. He was a Martha Holden Jennings Scholar- an award honoring teachers. He enjoyed spending time with his family, his church, history movies and cooking.
Mr. Rodgers is survived by his wife, Marie (nee Burke) whom he married August 19, 1967. Other survivors include sons, John F. (Rebecca) of Salt Lake City, Utah; Joseph P. of Westlake; a daughter Mary E. Rodgers of Lakewood; a brother Robert and a sister Doris Solnosky, both of Ebensburg, PA. He is preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Mary (nee Zidov) Rodgers and a brother Paul.
Friends may call at the BUSCH-BURMEISTER FAMILY CHAPEL, 163 Avon-Belden Rd., Avon Lake, Monday, June 4 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Prayer service at the Funeral Home, Tuesday at 10:15 a.m. followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 32929 Lake Rd., at 11:00 a.m. Fr. Timothy J. O'Connor of the church will officiate. Internment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Avon.