Dennis John Rodgers

                                                Dennis John Rodgers

                                      April 21, 1943 – February 22, 2024

Dennis John Rodgers, 80, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2024. Those who knew Dennis well, know that he lived life on his own terms. Always the life of the party, his friendship knew no boundaries.

His ability to cross barriers allowed him to build relationships amongst a diverse group of people from all walks of life. While he may be gone from us here on earth, know that he is hoisting a cold Bud with the many friends and family members that have passed before him.

Visitation will be on Friday, March 8, 3:00PM to 7:00PM at Kimak Funeral Home, 425 Broad Street, Carlstadt, NJ. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, March 9 at 10:00AM followed by an Honorary Fireman’s processional to East Ridgelawn Crematorium, 255 Main Avenue, Clifton, NJ. Hosted by his fellow firefighters of ERFD Engine 2, Carlton Hill. A military honor service will be presented by the U.S. Navy Color Guard.

Born in East Orange, NJ in 1943, Dennis spent his early years there and then in East Rutherford NJ – eventually moving to Toms River and finally to Madeira Beach, Florida. After an enlistment in the U.S. Navy, Dennis began a 38 year life-long career with NJ Bell Telephone/Verizon. Dennis’ proudest accomplishment was his time spent as a volunteer fireman for the East Rutherford Fire Department, retiring as Chief, with full honors and fanfare in 1995. He was also a proud member of the Rutherford American Legion, Post 109, the Ortley Beach Moose Lodge, Post 399, and the Madeira Beach Holiday Isles Elks, Post 1912.

As a lifelong NY Giants fan, Dennis spent many years cheering for his team on Sundays at Giants Stadium. He was also a Notre Dame fan and would spend his Saturdays cheering on the Irish from the comfort of his home or the local pub. Dennis was fortunate to see Notre Dame play at their home field in South Bend, Indiana, as well as many other stadiums across the nation. If Dennis had control of the “Juke”, you can be sure he would be chirping away to the Doo-Wops. As he aged, he began to look more and more like Ernest Hemingway. Many times, strangers would approach him in a bar and tell him he should enter the Hemingway Look- A -Like contest held annually at Sloppy Joe’s Bar in Key West, Florida. Finally, after many times being approached about the contest, he agreed. Upon arrival for his first competition in Key West, we all realized the other 105 contests all looked just like him! While he never took 1st place, this event was one of many highlights in his life. Another was St. Patrick’s Day. You would find Irish Bro at the various local parades, pubs or festivals adorned in his leprechaun outfit complete with his signature green beard.

Dennis was part of a very large family – predeceased by his children: Marine Corporal Michael Maita, daughter Amber T. Rodgers, and step-son, Jackie Russell. He was also predeceased by his parents: George Albert Rodgers and Margery Rodgers Brennan; Siblings: Virginia Groh, Elizabeth Gerstung, and James Rodgers. He is survived by siblings: Douglas Rodgers, Margery DeSantis, Amy (Tinker) Mahon, and Lee (Sissy) Sudimack; as well as his Nephew Rodger Gerstung and his wife Suzy who helped him close his final chapter in Madeira Beach. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cherished friends, and his fireman family. While we are saddened by the loss of our beloved Dennis (Bro), please know that he had no regrets in life and take solace in his words “I had a good run”!

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, t2t.org.