"I met Fred many years ago through a mutual New Hampshire friend, and what an inspiration he was! Though the times I actually saw him were limited (an occasional NH dinner, retirement party), we kept in touch via cards and phone calls. I last spoke with him about two weeks before he passed, and he was concerned not for himself, but for our mutual friend. That is the kind, caring, and generous person he was. My sympathy goes to hi entire family. May he rest in peace."
In loving memory of
Frederick Rogler Jr.
February 7, 2021
Frederick Rogler, Jr., of Burrillville, RI, passed away suddenly on Sunday, February 7th, 2021, at home at the age of 77. Fred was born on January 20th, 1944, to the late Frederick Rogler and Margaret (Canavey) Rogler of Smithfield, RI. In addition to his parents, Fred was predeceased by his sister Helen (Rogler) Lapham and brothers John C. and Robert F. Rogler. He is survived by his loyal and devoted companion of 23 years, Roy Montoya of Burrillville, RI, and his loving sister, Patricia (Rogler) Clark of Wakefield, RI. Fred leaves behind his close cousin, Prescott Mowry, who was like a brother to him. He also leaves behind many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends from many countries, including David Ivankovich.
Fred graduated from Classical High School (1961) and then received a B.S. from the University of Rhode Island and a Masters Degree from Providence College, both in history. Fred then became an avid Social Studies teacher of 30 years in the North Smithfield Jr-Sr. High School. One of his greatest pleasures was in leading students to experience the different cultures of the world. He led several student trips to the former Soviet Union (Russia), Australia, New Zealand, France, Spain, Morocco, Ireland, Italy, and more, 10 trips in all. Personally, he was an ardent traveler as well, experiencing the cultures of China, South Africa, Egypt, Norway, and many more. After his retirement from the public school system, Fred went on to teach at Our Lady of Mercy School in East Greenwich, RI, for several years.
In addition to his travel, Fred had a deep love of nature, especially a fascination with the flight and habits of birds. All through his life he had many pet birds, including a Canadian goose. He often rescued wounded birds and took care of them at his beach house in Point Judith. He thoroughly enjoyed spending all of his summers there, where he would go to sleep and wake up to the sound of the ocean. He generously shared his beautiful beach home with relatives, friends, and pets.
He was also an avid Bridge player, reaching the rank of Silver Life Master. Fred had an extreme zest for life, a great sense of humor, and thoroughly enjoyed being the life of the party. He will be missed tremendously by all of his family, friends, and his beloved dogs, Princess Kiara and Franchesco Giovanni Primero, and his rabbit, Chester.
Public visitation will be held Monday, February 15, 2021, from 11am 12:30pm in the Holt Funeral Home, 510 South Main St., Woonsocket. Social distancing guidelines will be followed upon your arrival. Attendance for his funeral service will be private, but may be viewed live online at 1pm at https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/96750999 Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Rhode Island SPCA, 186 Amaral St., Riverside, RI 02915.
Tributes
"It was with great shock and sadness that I received news of the passing of my bridge friend Fred, with whom I had just spoken the week before. It was always special to arrive at Fred's bridge table and enjoy his humor and friendliness. Although he always loved to tease, he was a very considerate and compassionate man. A deep and special person, Fred will be missed by all who knew him."
"I grew up in a political family. That said, the ""Civics"" education I was extremely fortunate to have at North Smithfield Jr/Sr HS was second to none. This man, along with George Boisvert and Alan Canestrari helped me to get into the Ivy League. One thing in particular: In 1971, as I remember, Mr. Rogler arranged to send some 7th graders, like me, to Providence inner city schools for 2 weeks in an exchange. He asked me to go because I had attended a Jim Crow South elementary school when I lived in Florida when my dad was in the Air Force. He was a great teacher and an inspiration. I have spent much of my adult life in politics. My former clients included The DCCC, the DSCC, US Senators. Mr. Rogler is a BIG REASON. I'm sad I only got to meet him as an adult only once. May his soul rest in peace."
"Classical High Class of 1961 - Fred and I were proud members of the Purple. As so often happens, we lost touch after graduation but reading that Fred lived a full and meaningful life was the best antidote to the sadness I felt when I learned of his passing. My wife was a teacher and our daughter still is, and it was heart-warming to know how well appreciated Fred was by his students. May your best days be in front of you, and, yes, Fred, I remember Miss Wetherell too."
"As a fellow bridge player, I have known Fred for many years and have been able to appreciate his intelligence, warmth, friendship and his deep regard for others. His presence brought joy to the bridge club where he was a highly valued friend to so many of its members. His skill was obvious but always coupled with warmth and pleasantness. Bridge in Rhode Island will not be the same without him and he will be deeply missed.Dennis Morrill"
"Rogler family & friends - Praying for friends and family to comfort you, faith to uphold you, and loving memories to help you smile again in the loss of your dear Fred. I graduated NSJSHS in 1983. I regularly credit Mr. Rogler with my ability to make eye contact and do public speaking. He coached me until I was comfortable. It turned out to be a super life skill, thanks."
"Mr. Rogler was my history teacher at North Smithfiled High School. I was one of the fortunate students who he brought on an unforgettable and formative trip to the Soviet Union. He had an infectious sense of adventure and inspired my love for learning about other cultures and languages. We kept in touch over the years on a sporadic basis, and I am sorry we were not able to have a final conversation. I thank him for creating a learning experience that eclipsed anything one would normally expect from an eighth grade history class and hope his family and friends know how extraordinary he was."
"Fred was a great friend and bridge partner. We had a lot of laughs together over the years. He was a gentlemen, he was humorous, he would do anything for you if able. He was a caring man. He treated one of our bridge player friends like a queen. In fact, if it wasn't for him, this person would have died long ago.. I am going to miss him, as well as a lot of other people in his life. R.I.P. Fred."
"It saddened me to hear about Freds passing. I always looked forward to seeing him. He loved it when I said good morning sunshine and always had a wonderful smile for me. He shared stories with me about his trips all over the world and his face would light up as he remembered! I feel blessed to have known him and grateful for the time I had with him. Fly high Fred and watch over all of us! Please accept my condolences."
"Mr. Rogleris how I knew him. He was one of my HS history teachers. He was serious, dedicated, demanding, and taught us to think critically. He wore a suit every day and was rather formal but very kind. I still remember the films he showed us of some of Hitlers early speeches and a woman whom he invited to speak to our class. She had survived the Holocaust and still bore the tattoo on her forearm. I remember too that he was good friends w a nun who had worked at a missionary in Belize. Even then I appreciated his intellectual curiosity, his desire to experience different cultures, and his willingness to look at the world from different perspectives. NS had some wonderful teachers, and Mr. Rogler was one of the best. My condolences to his partner and family."