Walter H Rogers Jr.

Walter H Rogers Jr., 98, of Stuart, FL passed on March 13, 2023 after a well lived life. He was born on September 16, 1924 and grew up in Brooklyn, NY where his love of the water began. He was an avid sailor his entire life.

His college years were during WWII, when he was chosen to be in the V12 program. This took him from Pratt Institute to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute where he continued his mechanical engineering studies and basic training for the Navy. He was then transferred to the US Naval Academy for officer training where he attained the rank of Ensign. He served aboard the USS Storm King until 1946 leaving with the rank of Lieutenant JG. His service continued as a reservist through 1958. After the war he completed his education graduating from RPI in 1947 with a degree in Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering. Walt was also in the National Honor Society of Mechanical Engineering, Pi Tau Sigma.

Walt stayed in New York and worked for Foster Wheeler for 5 years. While in the navy he was introduced to Miami and thought it was pretty great! He married Grace M. (Greene) Rogers July 14, 1951 and they chose Miami as their honeymoon. With her love for Miami they vacationed there the following year where Dad interviewed for an engineering position with Florida Power and Light. Taking the position meant he needed to start as a Jr. Engineer again but it was worth it to live in paradise. Dad also had his Professional Engineering License, was instrumental in ushering in Nuclear Power for Florida Power and Light and was Chief Engineer of Power Plant Engineering when he retired in 1989.

Living in Miami afforded a lifestyle of outdoor fun year round and Dad continued to leisure sail, race sailboats and fish in his free time. Raising 3 children; Bob, Janet and Jill on Key Biscayne was most special with small town island living. He was an avid traveler and every summer the family of 5 would load up the station wagon and tour the country with travels as far as California and Canada and most State Parks in-between. In the early 1980’s Walt and Grace relocated to Stuart, Fl with FPL and continued to enjoy the water, golf, croquet and their travels became more global seeing much of the world. He visited every continent except Antarctica. He has many “Dashboard” and “Splashboard” travel videos that he produced and starred in that will be treasured. In 2006 Walt’s first love and life partner, Grace Rogers, passed away. Later he met his second love and married Jody Adams in 2010, they were married for 12 years and they had many happy years traveling too.

Dad worked hard, played hard and enjoyed life to the fullest. He was always curious about everything which made him a life long learner and a most interesting person to converse with. He always gave freely of his time and money with his favorite charities involving children, veterans and educational institutions.

He was predeceased by his parents and first wife, Grace Rogers. He is survived by his second wife JoAnn Adams, sister Peggy Ann Crichton, 3 children (and spouses) Robert W. Rogers (Rebecca Rogers), Janet Rogers Sims (Gregory Sims), Jill Rogers Bailey (Edward Bailey), grandchildren Monica Rogers Coulter, Eric Gregory Sims, Robert Thomas Sims, Brian Rogers Bailey and great grandchildren, Heath Michael Yearick, Gregory Kamel Sims and Isabel Grace Sims.

Memorial service will be held at St Luke Episcopal Church (5150 SE Railway Ave, Stuart, FL 34997) at 10:30 am March 25, 2023.

Your friendship has been gift enough. Should you feel the need to do something, please donate to your favorite charity or Walt’s favorites would be St. Luke Episcopal Church of Port Salerno or the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.youngandprill.com for the Rogers family.