Charles Arthur Rogers

In loving memory of Charles A. Rogers who was born in Montclair, NJ to Hilda (Reynolds) & Thomas N. Rogers. He was raised in Montclair and attended local schools and graduated from Montclair High School in 1950. In 1951 Charles enlisted into the U.S. Airforce and eventually deployed to Greenland until his honorable discharge in 1958 at which time he began his entrepreneurial endeavors with Club 68 Social club in Montclair, NJ hosting numerous events at the Terrace Ballroom in Newark, NJ. In 1959 He met the love of his life “Cleo” at Edgemont Hall at the Foundation Soda shop and later married her 1960, his soulmate for the past 60 years. In 1961 they moved to East Orange, NJ and relocated briefly to Reading, PA until Charles’ retirement in 1993, returning to East Orange, where he resided until his death. Charles was employed by Western Electric as a Gold Plating Technician taking the 3 to midnight shift which allowed him see his children off to school each day and pursue his entrepreneurial endeavors, whether taking on sales positions to the establishment of Rogers & Sons which specialized in carpentry, painting & plumbing. All which provided his nephews, sons & friends children the opportunity to learn a craft, make a few bucks and create some wonderful memories to reflect on till this day! Charles was predeceased by his parents, Hilda (Reynolds) & Thomas N. Rogers, sisters, Marion (Clem), Muriel (Howard), Grace (Booker), Gwendolyn (Rolos), Evelyn (Jack) & brothers Carl and Thomas (Marjorie). He is survived by his loving wife Cleo, sons Charles (Yuko), Anthony (Sherri), grandchildren Malena, Anthony Jr., Sheree & Jason, great grandson Amari, first cousin Lavelle Sutherland (Cathy) and godchild Gloria Jean Kee Banks and a host of nieces, nephews, other family members and close friends. He was neither the anchor to hold us back, Nor the sail to take us there But a true inspiration whose Love & Strength Guided us along this journey we call life!