William R. Rogers
July 27, 1950 ~ December 8, 2023
SAUGUS- William R. Rogers, 73, passed away on December 8, 2023. He was the loving husband of Donna (Purington) Rogers with whom he shared 49 years of marriage.
Born in Boston on July 27, 1950, he was the son of the late William and Dorothy (Orr) Rogers. Bill was raised and educated in Revere and graduated from Revere High School. He went on to Northeastern University to receive his Bachelor’s degree in Civil and Mechanical Engineering.
Bill had a 38-year career with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in senior management. He was extremely proud of his work on the Zakim Bridge, Ted Williams Tunnel and many other projects in or around Boston. In 2004, Bill received an award from the Governor for his work associated with the “Big Dig”.
Bill retired from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 2006 as Area Construction Manager and Deputy Director of Construction on the “Big Dig” project.
After retiring from the Commonwealth, Bill worked for several years developing a large-scale Wind Energy Project in Rockingham County, Virginia in conjunction with James Madison University.
In 2014, Bill received his Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors License which he had kept current.
He was also a Licensed boat Captain holding a 100-ton Masters License with the United States Coast Guard.
Bill loved boating and had been a longtime member of the Point of Pines Yacht Club in Revere since 1978.
He enjoyed his vacation home in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and he also enjoyed skiing.
Bill had an intense admiration for automobiles and was an active member of the North Shore Corvette Club.
Bill was quite proud of being a recipient, alongside his son, Dana, From the Humane Society of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Life Saving Award.
In addition to his wife, Donna, he is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Dana and Julianne Rogers of Saugus, his daughter, Kerri Harris of Saugus, his brother; Richard Rogers of Medford, Oregon, three grandchildren, Sean, Lexi and Brooke and several nieces and nephews.
His Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10AM on Monday, December 18, 2023, in Saint Mary of the Annunciation Church, 24 Conant St., Danvers. Burial will follow in Annunciation Cemetery, Danvers. Visitation will be held from 4-7PM on Sunday, December 17, 2023, at C.R. Lyons & Sons, Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in William’s name to the American Heart Association, PO Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005. Online directions and condolences are available at www.LyonsFuneral.com
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Billy often said it is nice to be important but more important to be nice. To me and many others, Billy was both. Billy was my best friend for the past 40 years. I’m sure there are others that feel the same. His friends were important to him and he showed it. Missing you today, tomorrow, and the rest of my life. Love to Donna, Dana, Kerri and family. Tim Horgan
Many days (and nights) with Bill during the demo of the old elevated central artery thru downtown Boston,,,, oh my..
It has been a pleasure knowing and working with Bill for 20 years on the Big Dig. He was a true professional and a great friend. Although we were on opposite ends of the project and did not work together on a daily basis. It was usually because of a tight deadline or a big problem that needed to be fixed, we worked closely together. It was usually raining or snowing, cold, hot or humid. Bill would just smile and figure out a way to get the job done. He was proud of the work he did and quick to share the credit. He always took the time to help a colleague or mentor a rookie. He will be missed.
Jim Hughes
Thank you sharing !!
Bill will be missed by many.
Always tool the time to talk to you even when we were young kids running around.
I am glad i reconnected with him at the corvette outings.
JIMMY MARCHESE
What can I say about Billy, the man I was fortunate enough to call “dad”? I met Bill 15 years ago at the POPYC. It was around the time I became close with Dana and the rest of the crew. Billy was always around whether it be at the club, social gatherings, holidays, fundraisers and I always looked forward to getting to see him. Over the years Billy and I grew close. I would often confide in him, ask his opinion on things, ask his assistance from time to time for which he always was there for me. As my friendship with Dana became a brotherly relationship my relationship with Bill also grew to the point where I referred to him as Dad. I never saw it as taking the place of Dana and Kerri, who he loved immensely, more as a term of endearment to the guy who taught me so much about life and was there for me during so many of life’s challenges as my Dad was no longer with us. Billy, Dad, I will always cherish the many memories we shared, especially those boat journeys from Florida and Virginia…. you will always be in my heart, rest easy and peacefully and thank you for everything. Say hello to my Dad for me, I love you both!
We are so sorry for your loss of “Uncle Billy”. Our thoughts are with you all during this difficult time. Keeping you in our prayers Donna, Dana, Kerri and the rest of the Rogers clan.
With love from Wendy, Lee, Colby, Camdyn and Gail
I always did and always will think of my friend Billy Rogers when I see the Zakim bridge or drive through the “Big Dig” tunnels for he was an engineer on these amazing projects and he was very proud of these accomplishments. Bill was brilliant and did not do anything halfway. It was either done right and one time or not done at all. He was there to help before you could even ask him and he always had a smile on his face. I will never forget and always smile when I think of his euphemisms like, “Life is not a dress rehearsal” or “the absolute best” or “the absolute best gas on the Northshore.” Billy was especially proud that the submarine I served on was “named” after him, the USS Will Rogers.” While not a hat guy, He wore the submarine ball cap I gave him with pride and was always sending me submarine pictures from Ft Lauderdale. Rest in peace, my friend. You will never be forgotten.
Stephen B. purchased a sympathy card for the family of William R. Rogers.