Joseph ‘Ronnie’ Rogers, former Milford mayor
Joseph Ronald “Ronnie” Rogers passed peacefully at home with his wife Ruth by his side, Sunday, Aug. 30, 2020. He was born April 11, 1938, in Milford. He was a 1956 graduate of Milford High School.
After graduation, Ronnie opened his own service station in the city, which is where he began his political career in Milford by running for councilman of the 1st ward in 1972. After 10 years on city council, he ran for mayor and continued in that capacity for a total of 30 years. He was a salesman for Monumental Insurance for 30 years, while also serving the city as mayor. He was a member of the Delaware National Guard for six years, a lifelong member of the Milford Elks Lodge, Milford Moose, where he served as governor of the lodge, Milford Lions Club, Milford Jaycees, SCAT (Sussex County Association of Towns mayors) and numerous other civic organizations. He was also a lifelong member of Calvary United Methodist Church in Milford, where he served on the board of trustees.
Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Evelyn Rogers; brothers, Donnie and Edward “Eddie” Rogers; daughter, Linda Rogers Johnson; and son, Kevin Rogers.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Ruth Rogers; son Joseph R. Rogers II (Ann) of Milford; stepchildren, Kenneth Pennington of Camden, Kathy Page (Greg) of Virginia Beach, Va., Debra Bosco (Robert) of Magnolia and Pamela Mancuso (John) of Lewes; 14 grandchildren; and 30 great-grandchildren. Also surviving him are his sisters, Joyce Cline and Barbara Moore (Bob) of Lincoln; a brother, Wayne Rogers of Milford; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In his last years at home he had many thoughtful, kind caregivers, and the family would like to thank Kimi and the visiting nurses from Delaware Hospice.
Funeral services will be held in the sanctuary of Lighthouse Christian Center, 347 Calvary Road, Milford, Wednesday, Sept. 9. Friends may call after 10 a.m. at the church. The formal viewing will be from noon until 1 p.m., with the funeral service beginning at 1 p.m. Interment will be private. All in attendance must wear a mask and adhere to social distancing and gathering protocols.
Flowers are accepted. Memorial contributions can be sent in Ronnie’s name to Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.
Arrangements in the care of Berry-Short Funeral Home, 119 NW Front St., Milford, DE. Online condolences may be left at www.shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com
