Obituary: William S. R. Rogers, Teacher, Athlete

William Stewart Roberts Rogers -- better known as Robin -- of 528 Third Beach Rd, Middletown, Rhode Island, died on August 12, 2014. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Marcia Hersey Rogers.

Born in Newport on July 2, 1927, he was the son of Paul C. Rogers and Ilonka R. Rogers. He graduated from the Fessenden School in 1940, St. George’s School in 1944 the University of Wisconsin in 1949 and received a M.A.T. degree from Brown University in 1966.

Robin spent 43 years in the teaching profession. A student of literature and history, he began his career at St. John’s School in Houston, Texas. He came back to teach at St. George’s for five years, and then was named founding headmaster of The Pingree School, South Hamilton, MA in 1961. The Pingree School community remembers him as a rare and innovative teacher who led with pioneering vision, iconic spirit, discipline, integrity, humor and hard work.

After 13 years he returned to St. George’s in 1974 as teacher and coach and held the Anthony M. Zane Chair in History and English., retiring in 1993. Students recall he was tough but fair, demanding yet encouraging, but “More than anything he was a champion of us, these adolescent kids thrown together -- letting us know it’s ok to be who we are, but yet we can always do better.” In retirement, Robin continued to pursue his lifelong interest in history, literature, chess, St. George’s School and the Red Sox.

Robin was an all-around athlete, particularly gifted in tennis. Ranked #1 in New England in the Boys and Junior Division, he won the Newport City Championship three times and reached the National Father and Sons semi-finals in 1948 with his father, also a city champion.

In addition to his wife, Robin is survived by his children -- Caroline, Helene, and Paul, his daughter-in-law Rosa Lasaosa --and grandchildren David, Sam, Sebastian, and Elena. He is also survived by his brother Timothy, his sister-in-law Martha, and their children John, Burke and Susan. Robin also leaves numerous cousins with whom he enjoyed a close kinship his entire life.

There will be a memorial service at St. Columba’s Chapel, 55 Vaucluse Avenue, Middletown, on August 27 at 11:00 and at St. George’s School at a later date. Donations in memory of Robin may be made to St. George’s School or to The Pingree School.

Funeral arrangements by the O’Neill-Hayes Funeral Home, Newport. For information or online condolences please visit www.onhfh.com.