Peter Rogers

Peter Damien Rogers MD, age 79, of Columbus, Ohio, was called up to paradise by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on April 2, 2022 with his family by his side. Peter was born December 12, 1942 to Frank M. and Agnes S. Rogers of Cleveland, Ohio. He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Emilie; daughters, Bonnie (Ben) Cooper and Lindsey Rogers; sons, Danny (Stephanie) Rogers and Tim Rogers; grandchildren Damien Rogers, Hallie Rogers and Juliana Cooper; brothers, Mike Rogers, Bill Rogers and John (Marge) Rogers. He is preceded in death by his brother, Frankie Rogers, sister, Maryann Rogers and the mother of his children, Diane Burr Rogers. Peter graduated from St. Ignasius High School in Cleveland, Ohio in 1960 and from Walsh University in North Canton in 1964. He attended medical school at the University of Tennessee in Memphis and graduated from there in June 1970. Peter received a Master’s Degree in Public Health in 1973 from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill followed by 2 years working in the Epidemic Intelligence Service for the Centers For Disease Control. He completed his residency in Pediatrics and was Board Certified in Pediatrics in 1978. Peter held teaching positions at Northeastern Ohio University College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve College of Medicine and was a Professor of Pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. A lifelong learner he was Board Certified in both Adolescent Medicine and Addiction Medicine. In his 40 years as a physician he edited or co-authored multiple books and articles and often spoke at conferences on addiction in the adolescent population. Beyond the accolades, however, his reputation as a physician was more so drawn from the incredible love and compassion he had for his patients, in particular, those who struggled with substance use disorders. Through this work, he touched countless lives. Peter also loved to write and published 2 memoirs; “A Private Practice” written under the pseudonym Patrick Reilly, MD about his experiences as a physician addicted to alcohol and other drugs and “With Malice Towards None” which chronicled his experiences in the civil rights movement in Memphis following the assassination of Dr. King. Peter was further characterized by his loving disdain for Cleveland sports. Although his years supporting his beloved Browns and Indians were repaid with more tragedy than triumph, he will surely continue to root for them from up above. Despite his professional and personal activities those who knew Peter best will remember him most for his love of his family and his faith in Jesus Christ. He was a devoted husband and often remarked that nothing brought him more joy than his four children. His final years were further enriched by the opportunity to welcome his three grandchildren to the world. Peter found peace in Christ in 1984 and represented his faith in all he did thereafter. Although he is gone, his family has found comfort in Peter’s favorite verse Romans 10:9-10: “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” Peter’s life will be celebrated Tuesday, April 12th at Dwell Community Church located at 1340 Community Park Drive, Columbus, OH, 43229 from 6-8 with a service at 6:00.