David H Rogers

David Harlan Rogers died peacefully at home at the age of 92, surrounded by his family, on December 20, 2024 after a two year journey with Alzheimer's Disease. A resident of Barrington, RI for 64 years, he was the high school sweetheart and best friend of Audrey Silver Rogers for 74 years. They were married for 68 years. He was born in Meriden, CT on October 4, 1932 to Vernon Nash Rogers & Dorothy Bourlet Rogers. He was the younger brother of the late Kenneth W. Rogers and loving son-in-law of Jordan & Georgiana Silver.

Upon graduating from high school, David enlisted in the Naval Reserves during the Korean conflict. While working as a Designer/Modeler at Wallace Silversmiths for ten years, he attended Quinnipiac College and Paier School of Art in New Haven, CT, and studied Modeling & Design at Wilcox Technical School in Meriden, CT under Ernst Lorhmann, a German designer. Upon moving to Barrington in 1960, he joined Gorham Silver Manufacturing Co. as a Designer/Modeler, becoming Chief Modeler and Design Department Manager during his 39-year career.  He furthered his design education with courses at Rhode Island School of Design. After retirement, he freelanced for an additional five years at Gorham. 

David was on the Board of Directors of The Citizens Scholarship Foundation for many years as well as an active member of Barrington Congregational Church where he served on several committees.  In retirement, with his close friend, Burr Sebring, he volunteered at the Barrington Preservation Society and Museum and at Mount Hope Farm in Bristol, RI, maintaining the grounds. He enjoyed sailing, gardening, listening to music, particularly jazz, and playing the piano daily. He treasured time spent with his growing family, especially summers in New Hampshire for the past 24 years, an enduring tradition. He enjoyed his many New Year's Eve gatherings and summertime celebrations with his closest friends of many years. David was known for his warmth and kind gentle manner which is best expressed by his close friend and colleague as "Such a sweet, lovable guy with so much sensitivity, talent and grace. One of those very rare souls I think of as one of God's angels sent here to show others how to live in God's grace." 

He will be greatly missed by his loving family: daughters and spouses, Lesley & Bryce Muir of Bristol, RI, Lyndell & James Helgerson of Thornton, NH, and Pamela Brandvik & her partner Thomas Louttit of Warren, RI; nine grandchildren, Kelsey (Brian) Tewart, Cameron Muir, Alexandra (Stephen) Eberle, Colby (Kayty) Helgerson, Leah Helgerson (Cody Grant), Trey (Kelsey) Helgerson, Lars (Leslie) Brandvik, Haelie Burton (Michael Werner), and Anders (Morgan) Brandvik, and ten great-grandchildren William, Harper Grace, Colton, Bowen, Isla, Weston, Wesley, Oliver, Isabella, and Sawyer.  He had a deep affection for his many beloved nieces and nephews. Throughout his life he loved his animals and will be especially missed by his cat, Tiggy. 

We are grateful for the compassionate care given by the Hospice Care Team of Hope Health and by his CNA's, Joanne, Dawn & Michelle.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at Barrington Congregational Church, UCC, 461 County Road, Barrington, RI on January 11, 2025 at 10:30am. There will be no calling hours. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Barrington Congregational Church, UCC, 461 County Road, Barrington, RI 02806 https://bccucc.org/donation/ or to Hope Hospice & Palliative Care Rhode Island https://www.hopehealthco.org/ways-to-give/donatenow/donate-to-hopehealth-hospice-palliative-care/