William M. Rogers

William (Will) M. Rogers

September 5, 1942 - December 21, 2025

William (Will) M. Rogers, of Newburyport, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday evening, December 21, 2025. He was the beloved husband of the late Joan M. Rogers, with whom he shared over 48 years of marriage.

Born at the Carney Hospital in Dorchester, Massachusetts, to Agnes F. (Ronan) Rogers and Cleburne T. Rogers. Will had been a resident of Buck Street in Newburyport for 58 years.

He will be greatly missed by his family, including his daughter, Sydney L. Rogers and her wife, Jennifer Gallinovich; his granddaughters, Shannon Anderson of Portland, Maine, Mia Swartz and her partner Edgar Velásquez of Paris, France, and Greta Swartz of New York, New York.

Will attended the Immaculate Conception high school, graduating with the class of 1960. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1960, at the age of seventeen. He proudly served for three years, during which time he traveled around the world playing basketball as a member of the U.S. Navy basketball team. Will was employed by the New England Telephone Company, from which he retired after forty-four years.

Will’s presence in his seacoast community was a bright light. Will was loving, generous, and dependable. He was affectionately known as the “Mayor of Buck Street”. He took pride in his home, and his street. He took care of the neighbors leaves in the fall, and was first on the scene for every snowstorm cleaning the sidewalk, with his snowblower, for everyone. He cared deeply about his family and friends, and was always there to lend a helping hand. He was on “stand by” for every friend and neighbor, to help with emergencies, errands, transportation to the airport, train station, bus terminals, and doctor’s appointments. He had a quick wit, taking his sense of humor with him always, greeting everyone with a friendly smile typically accompanied by a witty comment.

Will’s life was devoted to his family, especially his three granddaughters whom he loved fiercely. He never missed an occasion to celebrate with them. Grandpa Will - The Greatest Of All Time Grandfather.

Will enjoyed early mornings, driving to Plum Island to watch the sunrise, followed by gathering with friends for their morning coffee group. Will enjoyed sports: playing, coaching, and watching a game, often with friends. He loved music, saw all ‘the best’ perform live ‘back in the day’ and never missed a show when the Grateful Dead were in New England. He enjoyed riding his red BMW motorcycle, taking many vacations with his wife Joan on the motorcycle. He took care of his wife’s garden after her passing, celebrating her love of flowers in her memory. Will enjoyed sitting by the water, binoculars in hand watching the birds, and the boats returning from a day of fishing out at sea.

Bidding his final farewell to “Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood”.

We are “Grateful” to have been loved by him. “What a long, strange trip it’s been”.

Will’s life will be continuously celebrated with intimate gatherings of family and friends throughout the coming new year.

Donations in his name may be made to the Mass Audubon Joppa Flats Education Center, located at 1 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport, MA 01950.