Robert James Rogers

Robert “Bob” James Rogers, 74, of Cortland, NY, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 8, 2021, while surrounded by his loving family.

Bob was born in Cortland, NY, on June 6, 1946, the son of the late Wilbur Henry Rogers and Dorla Leah Smith Rogers.  A longtime resident of the area, he was a 1964 graduate of Cincinnatus Central School.  Bob worked construction his whole life, most recently as a construction inspector for the M.J. Engineering and Land Surveying in Clifton Park, NY.  He was well-known as the beloved Santa for the Village of Homer and the Homer Elks Club.  In his spare time, he was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing.

He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Gloria Crosby Rogers, and their children, Michael (Penny) Rogers of Hickory, MD, Tonia (Jay Bowers) Butler of Homer, and Julie (Doug Moore) Rogers of Cortland.  He also leaves behind 14 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; brothers, Donald (Sue) Rogers of Missouri and Roy (Alyce) Rogers of Oklahoma; sisters, Elaine (James) Aiken of Pitcher and Diane Slade of Groton; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Wilbur Rogers, and sisters, Marcia Payson and Mary Lehman.

A celebration of Bob’s life will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s memory may be directed to the Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 21301 S. Tamiani Street – Suite 320, Estero, FL 33928.