In memory

On January 17, 1979, the world became a brighter place when David Paul Rogerson Jr. was born. Throughout his life, Dave left an indelible mark on everyone he met, known for his unwavering kindness, his ability to lift others up, and his genuine dedication to those he loved. He carried himself with a quiet strength that touched countless lives, leaving a legacy of warmth, laughter, love, and resilience that will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Dave’s greatest legacy is the love he shared with those closest to him. He was a deeply loved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend. His warmth, generosity, and spirit touched each of our lives uniquely, leaving behind beautiful memories that we will carry in our hearts forever.

To know Dave was to know what it looked like to be truly devoted. His world revolved around his wife, Jolene, and their two girls, Sarah and Juliet. Whether they were navigating the busy school and work days at home or just enjoying a quiet moment as a family, Dave’s deep love for them was his north star. Dave was the most amazing husband and a father who gave his everything to his daughters, always making sure they knew how much they were cherished.

Dave carried himself with a quiet strength that became even more evident during his recent battle with Stage IV melanoma. He fought with a grace and resilience that inspired everyone around him, never letting the difficult days dim the kindness in his heart.

We remember Dave not for the battle he fought, but for the life he lived—the laughter he shared, the tech problems he solved with a smile, and the way he made everyone feel like they mattered. He was a man who loved his family, his cat Bella and dog Romeo, his work family, a delicious meal shared with loved ones, and a good fitted hat, always finding joy in the simple things.

Dave and Jolene’s wedding was memorable, but one memory stood out for them. When all the guests left the aquarium, they realized they had been left behind without a ride. Instead of stressing, they embraced the quiet moment, sharing a laugh and dancing in the parking lot, realizing that as long as they had each other, they were exactly where they needed to be. This is how they lived each day forward; together always.

Weekends were sacred in the Rogerson household, a time Dave dedicated entirely to his family and friends. Whether it was planning a delicious meal, watching favorite movies, or simply relaxing together at home, he cherished these moments of togetherness. These quiet, unhurried days were filled with laughter, love, shared stories, and the comfort of just being in each other’s presence, creating a tapestry of memories that his family and close friends will forever hold dear.

One of the most memorable pieces of advice Dave gave his daughters was to never give up. Dave enjoyed watching Juliet at her weightlifting meets and flag football games. He always told her to keep playing hard no matter the odds - whether you were in the lead or falling short, always give it your all. This advice also applied to homework - it always had to be done as soon as you got home from school. Sarah, being the oldest, knew of this persistence because it started in kindergarten and has never ended. Sarah dedicates both her unwavering work ethic and her playful humor to him. To this day, Sarah and Juliet know that putting in the work will pay off, whether it’s a difficult game, class or day to day obstacles, the work put in is the effort you get out. A mantra Sarah and Juliet will carry with them forever.

Dave’s warmth and generosity left a lifelong impact on everyone he met. Whether through a kind word, a helping hand, or simply his presence, he had a unique way of making those around him feel seen and valued. His legacy lives on in the many hearts he touched and the countless lives he brightened just by being himself.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations in Dave’s name for melanoma research and prevention:

Melanoma Research Fund to raise awareness of melanoma and research for a cure. 

https://melanoma.org/

Melanoma Research Alliance’s mission is to accelerate powerful research, advance cures for all patients, and prevention.

 https://www.curemelanoma.org/