Thomas F. Rogers

ROTTERDAM - Thomas F. Rogers died unexpectedly with his family by his side on December 13th 2014 in Albany, at the age of 71.

Tom is survived by his mother, Marjorie Rogers of Schenectady; His devoted wife of 49 years, Eileen Rogers (Lasher); his beloved children, Amy Mundweiler (Rick) of Rotterdam, and James Rogers (Linda) of Webster, NY, and a brother, Michael Rogers (Judith) of Altamont. He is also survived by his five grandchildren whom he cherished more than anything; Bailey and Catherine Rogers (Webster NY) and Derrick, Andrew, and Brandon Mundweiler (Rotterdam). He is also survived by many devoted and loving nieces and nephews. Tom is preceded in death by his father, Thomas Rogers, of Colonie; sister, Marjorie "Midge" Lasher of Rotterdam, and niece, Kelly Rogers of Altamont.

Tom was born on May 21st 1943, in Albany to Marjorie and the late Thomas Rogers. He was a union sheet metal worker for AMTRAK for 30 years receiving numerous honors and awards. Tom was a former member of the Local 398 Sheet Metal Union and a member of the Local 83 until his death. He graduated from Colonie Central School in 1962. Tom married his childhood sweetheart, Eileen Lasher, in 1965. After moving to Rotterdam, he worked as a construction worker and sheet metal professional until his retirement in 2008.

Tom was a loving husband and the most devoted father, grandfather, and friend anyone could hope for. Anyone who was fortunate enough to know Tom, with his piercing baby-blue eyes, quickly found out that they had a "Handyman" for life. He could fix anything and was generous with his time and skills to help anyone with their repair work. Tom loved spending time with his family and cherished the time he spent being "Papa" to his five grandchildren most of all. He enjoyed playing Santa Claus for area Nursing Homes and at family parties. Tom volunteered tirelessly with several organizations, most notably, Rosies Love Holiday Shop and the Albany Medical Melodies Center for Childhood Cancer.

Tom was a car enthusiast and had a special love for Corvettes. He was a lover of the outdoors and especially loved camping in Lake George and the Adirondacks. Tom was a member of the Rotterdam Elks Club and very active in the Rotterdam Senior Citizens Group. Most of all, he was a loyal friend and loved to help people in any way he could. Tom touched many lives in a unique way and will be truly missed.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 10:00 am at St. Gabriel the Archangel Church, 3040 Hamburg Street, Rotterdam. Calling hours will be held on Thursday from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at New Comer Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie. Interment will be in Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Niskayuna. Memorial contributions can be made to Rosie's Love, 16 Locust Park, Albany, NY 12205 or Double H. Ranch, 97 Hidden Valley Rd. Lake Luzerne, NY 12846.