Dylan Patrick Rogers

Dylan Patrick Rogers, age 29, died unexpectedly on June 2, 2021. The son of Lisa Marie (Parris) Rogers (formerly of Bridgewater) and Paul Francis Rogers ( formerly of Norwood), he was the loving brother to Griffin Fielding Rogers. He is survived by a  large and devoted family including his paternal grandparents Ann and Walter Rogers. Dylan was born in Chicago and raised in Upton, Massachusetts. Because of their love for the sea, he and his family most recently established a home in Cohasset. 

Dylan attended Upton Schools and was an outstanding student, Tri-State Champion gymnast, Literary Scholar, and active member of the Retreat Team and Young Neighbors in Action at Holy Angels Parish. He attended St. John's High School in Shrewsbury, where he was a student athlete, rowed crew, served as Captain of the Swim and Dive Team, was a two-time Pioneer Award Winner (given to athletes who exemplify the best in leadership, dedication, love of sport, excellence and good sportsmanship) and was part of Big Red Little Red Mentoring Program. 

Dylan attended Babson College in Wellesley, where he graduated with a degree in Entrepreneurial Business/Marketing and went on to have a successful career in the Corporate Marketing Field. Dylan was an avid reader and writer, lover of travel, music, comedy, poetry and the outdoors. He enjoyed boating, skiing, hiking, and yoga. He coached gymnastics, volunteered for Big Brothers, Habitat for Humanity, and several other charities. He was always looking to help others and be available as a friend and mentor. 

Dylan was a loving son, dedicated brother, wonderful grandson, nephew, and cousin. He rescued his dog, and best friend Nico and provided him with nurturing home. He was a friend to many and the most personable, humble and loving soul. His kind and caring nature made him a magnet to all who loved him. 

Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Wednesday, June 9, 2021 from 9-10:45 am in McNamara-Sparrell Funeral Home, 1 Summer St. (across from St. Anthony Church), Cohasset, MA., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 am in St. Anthony Church, 2 Summer St., Cohasset. Interment private. In Dylan's honor, please consider a donation to thesatoproject.org or by mail The Sato Project, 130 Water Street, Brooklyn, NY. 11201. 

Remarks of Remembrance delivered June 9, 2021 by Patti and Diane:

Born out of great love in Chicago, Dylan entered the world being the most wanted and adored baby parents could ever ask for. He was truly beaming, with the face of an angel. His blue eyes and blond hair gave him a cherubic look. Combined with natural charm, warmth and sensitivity, he was set on a path to bring a smile to the face of anyone that came in contact with him. He was beautiful inside and out and had energy in abundance.  He made friends wherever he went and people would comment about how kind and gentle he was. A strong little boy with extra blessings of grace.

As he grew from an infant to a toddler, it was obvious this kid was different. He glowed, smiled, and “warmed the belly”, as his Grandfather said. He also started to run, jump and flip like nobody’s business. One time, when he was still in diapers, Auntie Patti and Uncle

Mark were caring for him. With a portable crib by their bedside, they settled in for the night. Just as they were sitting down, they heard the pitter patter of little feet upstairs. Puzzled, they went up to check,  only to see little Dylan bouncing off the bed, flipping in the air and landing in the crib on his back - pretend sleeping.

And, so his gymnastics journey began. Flipping his way through the gym and onto the podiums of many meets, with his best friend Chris by his side, ultimately winning the Tri-State Championship on Floor. He regularly entertained family and friends with back tuck handsprings down the beach and taught all the neighbor kids and cousins how to fly on the trampoline, without injury.

Yes, Dylan was a protector and was often called on to coral the little ones and keep them safe. Parents always knew he would willingly keep watch, and he did so with a happy heart. He was the pied piper of little ones.

Teachers always asked him to mentor. One time he came home and his mom asked how his day was.   With true Dylan wit, he responded “Oh good, but I was a bit shocked when I asked my kid to clean his desk and, I looked down to see him licking the bottoms of my shoes. Not sure I did my job today, mom.”

To have discipline at such a young age, and to compete across five apparatus - the pommel horse, high bar, parallel bar, floor, and rings,  brought with it an expectation of perfection. But Dylan embraced the challenge always laughing when he said “ If it were easy they would call it football.”  Griffin grimaced. Then they would laugh.

From gymnastics, he moved on to diving, becoming the Captain of the St John’s Swim and Dive team.  Everyday during the season,  he would go to school, commute to Assumption for swim practice, finish there, then start the journey to Holy Cross to dive. Most nights he arrived home at 10 for homework and bed,  then a job on the weekends. He mentored several divers, and went on to be honored with the Pioneer Award for outstanding sportsmanship. This was the first time in 15 years it was given to the same student two years running. And of course, when told he won again, he said “no coach, give it to someone else. “

After being offered several scholarships, Dylan decided to attend Babson, where he could focus on entrepreneurial business and continue to dive. There he met an unfortunate fate on the board, halting his diving career with a head injury. But again, he persevered, refocused and graduated.  It wasn’t easy. He suffered quietly, but stayed determined to graduate.  His injury only furthered his compassion for others. His goal was to enter a field where he could matter. Life sciences and bio tech marketing became his focus.

 

He has always been an avid reader. When he was younger, his parents would send him to bed, and find him hidden under his blankets with a flashlight trying to finish another book about wizards or adventure.  Who has to tell a kid to stop reading?

Later, during the confines of Covid, he read 55 books on topics as wide as the sky.  “I want to see other perspectives and journeys” he would say.  

He was insatiable about learning and wanted to experience the world without a pre-determined outlook. (Which sometimes lead to crazy conversations about conspiracy theories or the Illuminati, Black holes, UFOs, Scientology, or other mind-bending topics.)

He loved to write. Song lyrics, poetry, and stories. He had a passion for words and expression. His love of music sustained him through the years, in good times and in bad.  He preferred songs with deep meaning and unconventional conclusions. Nothing simple or obvious for Dylan. He was a deep thinker and old soul.

He was also a student of human nature.  Observing and listening more than talking. Finding himself more interested than opinionated.

He loved to ski with the family and go boating. The best first-mate ever.  And he was a loving son who wrote to his mother, honored his father and supported his brother. They are forever grateful for the intensity with which he loved and tried.  

 

He preferred small, intimate groups and conversations. He liked deep friendships rather than acquaintances.  He wanted to hear about others challenges and try to find a way to support them or at least make the day brighter.  Watching Dylan made one realize they talked too much.

But, boy he loved to laugh. He and his brother Griffin would quote movies and roar hysterically. They watched the same funny movies over and over and laughed harder each time.  They collected favorite comedians.  The Rogers boys had a special bond where they understood their differences, strengths and weaknesses, but loved each other unconditionally. They actually liked that they were different. They embraced it. They needled each other, debated, respected and grew from their differing, but sometimes dead-on similar views. Many of Griffin’s friends felt Dylan was their friend, too.

As an example of Dylan’s compassionate nature, he found himself supporting friends beyond the usual pep talk or hug. He brought them into his home and embraced them. One of his closest friends battled cancer, surgery and treatment and leaned on Dylan to help pull her through. Many Twenty-somethings wouldn’t interrupt their life, but Dylan didn’t blink. And his beautiful friend now knows the true kindness of an unselfish friend.  

There were many other instances of providing friends with a safe place to land. Too many to mention.  I’m sure you will hear some of these stories later today. Compassion also translated into Dylan’s giving side through charity and community outreach.  But mostly through the adoption of his abused street dog Nico. With his sideways glances and cowering demeanor, Dylan slowly brought him back to life. He nurtured him, and taught him to trust. His dog traveled with him just about everywhere, becoming a cherished member of The Rogers Family.  They were like frick and frack. You wanted Dylan, you got Nico, too. No questions.

Dylan loved his family, parents and friends.  His mother was his soulmate and his Dad his inspiration for what a man should be for his family.  Dylan’s parents friends thought of him as a son and treated him that way. His love for those close to him was unwavering.

He spent much family time on the Cape and at home.  Family time involved, walking, talking, dinner, candy and a movie … as often as possible.

He loved to travel and was blessed to experience cultures and enjoy sights like the Acropolis, the Coliseum, Turkish spice markets, Ephesus, and Northern Africa. He was thrilled to zip line across Alaska, and tour Ireland with his best friend and grandfather.

He loved his Godparents and the beautiful lake with pancakes and ice cream.  He adored his cousins, Aunts, Uncles and grandparents. He worshipped his grandfather, in particular, calling him the coolest dude he ever met. He felt immense acceptance from him.

He loved time on the islands, surfing, boating and exploring. He was sort of a gypsy soul. He marveled at Sedona and picked a cactus for a Family Christmas tree while on a walk.

No matter what was going on in Dylan’s life, the need of others trumped it.

Covid brought difficult battles for everyone, and Dylan again made decisions to be better, focusing on wellness, yoga, meditation and weight loss on his journey to being healthier and happier. He took his time, shifted gears, and found a great position doing what he loved and was excelling. He had great plans of travel and career, family times and joy with friends.

When you remember Dylan remember his kindness. His smile. His grace. His love for the sea. His love for you.

He will be waiting for us with arms wide open, as God waited for him.

He wouldn’t want any judgement. No sadness. He would only wish for kindness and acceptance.

We loved you with our whole hearts Dylan Patrick. Rest and know we were grateful for everything you taught us. You left us better.  Way too soon, but we WILL be together again.