Daniel T. Rogers

Dan Rogers, arguably, was the world’s greatest storyteller.

It’s true that he accomplished so much in his 74 years of life, but his ability to weave a story that captivated his audiences is truly Dan’s greatest legacy. So, on the occasion of his passing April 27, 2025, we will do our best to honor him by sharing the story of his great life adventure.

Born on October 28, 1950 in Cincinnati, Ohio, Daniel Todd Rogers, was the sixth child born to Leslie Charles Rogers (Les) and Elizabeth Marie Keehan (Betty). Dan and his siblings – Tom (Jeanne), Tim (Bloss), Terry (Carol), Ted (Donna), Peggy (Dave), Kevin (Barb), and Kathy (Mike) – made for a busy household over on Rutledge Ave in Price Hill. All that excitement perhaps made it easy for 4-year old Danny to take off on his first journey of self-discovery. It was a quest “all the way up the street” to the District 3 police station where the officers tried in vain to get him to tell them his name. Instead, he borrowed a name from the neighbor’s dog… and that is how many of his friends and family came to lovingly know him as “Duke” Rogers.

From there, Duke went on to attend St. William School where he was a decidedly average student according to the report cards he hid from his children, but they discovered upon his passing. At St. William, he met the first of his lifelong friends who have been by his side, in some cases, up to 70 years.

Duke also never met a stranger. He loved a good chat and loved to be in the middle of all the action. That’s what led him to make the most of his time at his alma mater, Elder High School. At Elder, Dan’s report cards improved, he was a member of Student Council and the Float Committee, Manager of the basketball and cross-country teams, was a wrestler, a cheerleader, and a stage actor. He loved his time at Elder and enjoyed nothing more than rooting on the Panthers.

After graduating in 1968, Dan began a distinguished 40+ year military career. He first joined the United States Air Force and served his country during a tour of duty in Vietnam. By the grace of God, Dan returned home to Cincinnati, his family and the aggressively warm embrace of his mother.

While trying to figure out his next chapter, Dan met and married Beth Gomien and they started an adventure together having four WONDERFUL, WELL MANNERED, PERFECT children who always ate their vegetables: Dennis (Jes), Katy (Kris), Pat (Erin), and Joe. Dan, Beth and the kids had the opportunity to travel the country to some amazing Coast Guard duty stations, including: Baltimore, Grand Haven, Savannah, Mobile, and Honolulu, making new friends and great memories along the way.

Dan achieved so much during his time in the Coast Guard. He worked hard to continue his education, holding degrees from St. Leo and Columbia Colleges, and rose through the ranks, eventually working his way up to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4. Mr. Rogers, as he was known to his fellow servicemen, earned several commendations for his service and was a mentor and a friend to many young servicemen. He was proud to live the Coast Guard motto of Semper Paratus.

There was another very important aspect of his role in the Coast Guard, too, and that was putting together the best Coastie softball teams around. Because of his work as a personnel officer, Mr. Rogers was able to discover all the best softball players and recruit them to his own duty station so his team could win multiple softball tournaments. Go Stearns!

After his retirement in 2003, Dan followed his love of the sea on his next adventure, sailing up and down the East Coast for a few years as the First Mate aboard the Big Zip. Later, he worked as a police dispatcher for the city of Key West and became the biggest Jimmy Buffet fan there ever was. Dan eventually disembarked the Big Zip and returned to the Coast Guard as a civilian education services officer where he helped countless enlisted men and women earn their college degrees while serving in the military.

Dan finally retired for good in 2016 and returned home to Cincinnati where he spent his last chapter fully enjoying his four children, nine grandchildren (Eileen, Kaylee, Sean, Charlie, Emmalina, Eliyana, Josephine, Penelope and Molly - who would like everyone to know he was a great baby holder!) and many, many nieces and nephews - supporting them in all their many endeavors.

He spoke often of the joy he felt in reconnecting with his brothers and sisters and all of his lifelong friends. Dan was deeply grateful for their support and friendship. Together, they played weekly golf at Neumann and traveled on golf trips, kicked butt in trivia with Team Chuck Norris, had weekly Class of ‘68 lunches with unsweet iced tea (better bring that lemon), and shared stories.

Whether you knew him as Dan/Danny/Duke/Dad/Grandpa/Papa Dan or Mr. Rogers, know that he is now at peace; reunited with loved ones who preceded him in death: his parents Les and Betty, brother Tim, nephews Brian and Dennis, aunts and uncles, and several friends. May their patience be long. He has a lot of stories to tell.

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We hope you will join us for the Memorial Service on Monday, May 12 at 1:00pm at St. William Catholic Church. Visitation to be held at 12:00pm. Reception to follow at Fr Reardon Hall where we will keep sharing Duke’s stories on his behalf. Per HIS request (as the #1 Jimmy Buffet fan), Dan invites you to wear your best “Margaritaville” attire.

The Rogers family would like to thank the staff at Good Samaritan Hospital, particularly the MSICU crew and the pulmonology team. Thus, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Good Samaritan Foundation or the Elizabeth & Leslie C. Rogers Memorial Scholarship at Elder High School.