Peter Rogers Jr., a loving, devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, friend, and cherished member of the community, peacefully passed away on December 27th, 2025, at the age of 72 in the presence of his beloved wife, Norma Rogers. He was surrounded by love and leaves behind a legacy of strength, wisdom, and unwavering devotion to his family.
Born on October 7th, 1953, at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, New Jersey, he was the third sibling and eldest son born to Peter Rogers Sr. and Ethel M. Rogers. He lived a life rooted in hard work, integrity, and faith. He was known for his steady presence, kind heart, warm smile, and the quiet guidance he offered to all who were fortunate enough to know and experience him. His life was a true reflection of perseverance, grace and humility.
He dedicated his life to Christ at an early age and became a member of Pilgrim Baptist church where he expressed enjoyment at participating in the worship experience and certain events held by the church.
Pete matriculated through the Red Bank public school system and graduated from Red Bank Regional High School in 1971. He furthered his education by pursuing an associate’s degree in accounting at Brookdale Community College. After completing his education, he began his journey into the workforce taking on various positions to explore his professional interest before finally settling into his long-term career at West-Ward Pharmaceutical Company where he worked as a Senior Machine Operator.
In October, 1978, he met whom he referred to as his “beautiful wife” at the racetrack in Freehold, New Jersey, and later married her on August 15th, 1987. He described that day as the happiest day of his life.
He retired in 2018 after dedicating 17 long years of service to West-Ward. He was excited to explore life as a retiree with his wife and enjoyed the downtime that they shared to include traveling to various eateries, visiting with family, and visiting Atlantic City, which was one of his favorite get-aways. During his free time, Pete could be found at the local racetrack to observe horse racing, doing yardwork, or washing his Dodge Charger and his wife's car almost daily; he was sure to call you out if you got fingerprints on the window while opening your door. When he wasn’t participating in community activities or attending to the yard, he enjoyed the simple pleasure of catching a football or basketball game (especially the Lakers or Eagles) at home with his wife over a bowl of cherry vanilla ice cream.
Pete took great pride in his family and found his greatest joy in being a husband, father, and grandfather. He was a source of encouragement, laughter, and unconditional love, always offering support and life lessons that will be carried forward for generations. His stories, wisdom, witty jokes and bright smile will be deeply missed but forever remembered.
He is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Will and Viola Rogers, maternal grandparents Lee Jasper and Polly Levister Williams, his father Peter Rogers Sr., his aunt Willie Mae Miles, his uncle, Harry Rogers, uncles, Thomas, Horner, McCormick, and Otis Williams, his bonus Dad Deacon Arthur G. Palmer, his brother Lee Jasper Rogers, and his mother, Deaconess Ethel M. Palmer.
He is survived by his loving wife Norma Rogers; son Rodney Green (Alexis Mason); daughters Dishauna Nix and Shalanda Nix; grandchildren Nadiah Rucker (Kevin), Kylie Marie Green, Divine Mitchell, and Shyann Rose Green; bonus daughter and bonus grandsons, Michele Maltese, Quentin Godfrey and Christian Godfrey; one great grandson, Miles Thaxton; his sisters Sarah C. Rogers and Aleta Rogers-Pickett; bonus brothers Rodney Palmer (Candace) and Antonio Palmer; his aunts Almentia Williams, Edith Roach-Battle, and Rita Williams; his god-daughter Alonna Pickett and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Though we mourn his passing, we rejoice in the life he lived and the love he gave so freely. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
