John Rodgers

John F. Rodgers, 68, of Butler Township passed away Monday, Nov. 11, 2019, at home.

Born March 17, 1951, in Butler, he was the son of the late Vincent F. Rodgers and Mary M. Zanella Rodgers.

John was a 1969 graduate of Butler High School.

He lived in Rochester, N.Y., for a time before returning to attend and graduate from the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics in 1983. He earned his license to fly small planes as well.

Soon after, John moved to California, where he worked as a mechanic and hangar manager at the Santa Monica Airport for around 25 years. They often had televised shows, movie scenes and videos shot there, which he enjoyed very much. Because of his love for people and socializing, he enjoyed meeting and interacting with others during his time on the job.

While living in California, he was a member of the Orange Coast Rhodesian Ridgeback Club and operated a kennel called “Masai Warriors.” He lived his dream of breeding champion ridgebacks.

He retired in Butler in 2007, due to health issues.

When he returned to Butler, he enjoyed spending time with family, reconnecting with old friends, watching football and playing golf. He also remained active in ridgeback clubs and continued to enjoy spending time with his dogs. A fun, loving and gentle man, he will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his siblings, Mary Ellen McCune of Butler, George Rodgers and his wife, Cathy, of Fenelton, Rose Ann Warren of Butler, and Rita Gall and her husband, Rich, of Butler; 10 nieces and nephews; 16 great-nieces and great-nephews; and his beloved Ridgeback, Henley.

RODGERS — A friends and family gathering in honor of John F. Rodgers, who died Monday, Nov. 11, 2019, will be held from 1 p.m. until the time of the memorial service at 3 p.m. Saturday at Boylan Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 856 Evans City Road, Renfrew.

Memorial donations may be made in his honor to the Butler County Humane Society, 1015 Evans City Road, Renfrew, PA 16053, or to the National Kidney Foundation, 2403 Sidney St. #230, Pittsburgh, PA 15203.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.boylanfuneralservices.com.