Richard Lawrence “Rich” Rogers, 78, born June 1, 1948, in Lowell, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 24, 2026, in New Port Richey, Florida.

The son of Lawrence Rogers and Eva (McGaunn) Rogers, Rich grew up in Lowell and graduated from Lowell High School. He spent much of his life in Massachusetts before relocating to Florida, where he made his home in later years.

Rich had an independent and entrepreneurial spirit from an early age. In his early twenties, he bought a piece of land and set about building his family home from the ground up, with friends and relatives serving as his weekend construction crew.

His love of cars was a constant throughout his life. Rich partnered with Roland Lambert in Kenwood Auto in Dracut, Massachusetts, a business that continues operating today, just down the road from its original location on Merrimack Boulevard. Over the years, Rich also owned and operated several restaurants.

But cars—especially Corvettes—remained one of his great passions. He owned several Corvettes over the years and cherished them. You could always find him in the garage, cranking the oldies and tinkering with one of his cars.

Rich and his wife, Diane, enjoyed traveling together, with Jamaica holding a special place among their destinations. They also enjoyed nights out at the casino.

Above all, Rich loved his family. He was proud of his children and grandchildren, enjoyed making people laugh, and was always quick with a joke.

Rich was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Eva Rogers, and his sister, Deanna (Rogers) Vecchione.

He is survived by his wife, Diane Gerlich-Rogers; his sister, Marilyn (Rogers) Gickas; his daughter, Christine Vielhauer, and grandchildren Amber and Tyler Simmons; his son, Kevin Rogers and his wife, Michelle, and grandchildren Benicio and Angelina Rogers; his sister-in-law, Karen Gallo; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.