Mr. David Christie Rogers, 85, passed away peacefully at his home, in Machipongo, on Friday, July 17, 2026.
Born on Jan. 11, 1941, in Rhode Island and raised in Milford, Conn., David lived a life defined by perseverance, purpose, and deep commitment. From an early age, he possessed a keen, analytical mind that led him to Dartmouth College, where he earned both his bachelor’s degree and an MBA from the Amos Tuck School of Business.
Soon after beginning his career with Ford Motor Company, David married the love of his life, Linda Franks, in 1965. Together they built a life centered on family, welcoming their son, Peter, and daughter, Kathryn, while David’s career carried them across the United States and Europe.
Whether working in Michigan, Wisconsin, Paris, Amsterdam, or Philadelphia, he embraced each opportunity with confidence and integrity. His talent for solving complex business challenges and leading organizations earned him increasing responsibility, culminating in his service as president of International Mill Service before later becoming owner and president of Heclyn Gear Company.
David believed that adversity was simply another problem to solve. After losing his leg in 2007 following complications from a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm, he approached recovery with the same determination that had guided him throughout his life. Refusing to let the setback define him, he continued to lead his company until retiring in 2020, inspiring those around him through his resilience, optimism, and unwavering work ethic.
Retirement brought David to Virginia’s Eastern Shore, where he enjoyed the peaceful beauty of the Chesapeake Bay and became a member of Hungars Episcopal Church. He was also a member of the Union League of Philadelphia and served as president of his local homeowners association, generously giving his time and leadership to the communities he cared about.
Those who knew David will remember a man of kindness, intelligence, strength, and quiet confidence. He was a devoted husband, proud father, respected businessman, and faithful friend whose greatest accomplishments were measured not only in professional success, but in the example he set for others.
David is survived by his wife of 61 years, Linda Rogers; his children, Peter Bradford Rogers and his wife, Tamara, of Monument, Colo., and Kathryn Rogers Hamilton and her husband, Robert, of Tucson, Ariz.; his sister, Gale Rogers Schober, of Santa Fe, N.M.; his brother-in-law, Bruce Daniel Franks, of Broomfield, Colo.; his grandchildren, Bradford Palilsch-Rogers (Annika), Garrett Taylor Rogers (Lindsey), Hannah Paige Rogers (Russell), Caroline Elaine Hornung (Harrison), Kenneth Aaron Hamilton (Danielle), Katherine Anne Hamilton, and Parker Bean Howell; his great-grandchildren, Elaina Dorothy Rogers and Nicholas Shane Rogers; and his nephews, William Wakefield Roush and Frank Christopher Schober.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother-in-law, Frank Schober. A celebration of life service will be held at Hungars Episcopal Church on Saturday, Aug. 15, at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Berkley Ford officiating.
Contributions in David’s memory may be made to Dos Santos Food Pantry and Thrift Store, payable to: Dos Santos, P.O. Box 862, Onley, VA 23418, https://dossantosfoodpantry.org/; Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306, https://t2t.org/; or to Sentara Nightingale Regional Air Ambulance, payable to: Sentara Foundation, 1300 Sentara Park, 1st Floor, Virginia Beach, VA 23464, MEMO: Nightingale Regional Air Ambulance https://sentara.tfaforms.net/4688527
Memory tributes may be shared at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements are by the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home.
