SOUTH PORTLAND – Gene Rogers, 94, died peacefully at home on Feb. 5, 2021. Born in Newark, N.J., the son of Paul Cash Rogers and Mary E. Finnerty Rogers. Gene was raised in South Portland.

As a teenager he joined his father as a volunteer fireman at the Cash Corner Engine 5 fire station. At 17, he joined the U.S. Navy serving during WWII, the Korean conflict and Vietnam retiring in 1967 with the rank of LCDR.

In 1952 He married Marie Smith and together they had eight children, Stephen, Eugene, Leah, Christopher, David, Gemma, John and Richard.

Gene was an avid fly fisherman and especially enjoyed spending his summers at Abol Bridge Campground in Millinocket where he had many close friends.

He was predeceased by his sister, Eileen R. Smith; and his ex-wife, Marie.

Survivors include his wife, Loretta Madore Rogers; his stepchildren, Barbara Little and Leon Sangnier, his eight children; 14 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren; brothers, Paul Rogers and Dennis Rogers; and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Gene’s life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers family asks that donation be made in his name to his favorite charity,

Wounded Warriors Project,

Donor Care Center,

P.O. Box 758533,

Topeks, Kansas, 66675-8533