John Rogers Obituary, Death – The family of John Rogers is saddened to announce that he died unexpectedly on Saturday, September 10, 2022, at his home in Lenox, of an apparent heart attack. On June 3, 1952, at Edwards Air Force Base in California, John Rogers was born to the late Dr. Donald B. and Jean F. Rogers. He was born in Northampton and attended public schools there until he graduated as class president from Northampton High School in 1970. John received his undergraduate degree from Yale College in 1974 and his law degree from Georgetown University three years later.
Throughout his life, John was a trusted advisor and a beloved friend to many people. He was quick-witted, charismatic, and witty. He moved to the Berkshires in 1978 to join the firm that is now Cain, Hibbard & Myers, PC. He spent 22 years in private practice before joining BHS, advising healthcare organizations on business, transactions, regulatory issues, and litigation. He joined Berkshire Health Systems as Vice President and General Counsel in 2000, after many years as outside legal counsel. John was an outspoken supporter of patient rights, “health system strengthening,” and Berkshire Health Systems. He worked tirelessly to ensure that the organization was strong and thoughtful, and that it served the needs of the community to the best of its ability.
John worked tirelessly to support and strengthen community organizations through his many volunteer efforts, such as serving on the YMCA board. The death of his foster brother Henry Singleton inspired him to work on drug-related harm reduction. He was among the first in the country to express concerns about opioid overuse, and he worked tirelessly to advance local efforts to combat the opioid epidemic in collaboration with local municipalities, the Berkshire County District Attorney’s Office, and the Berkshire County Sheriff’s Office. His keen insights and foresight enabled BHS and other community organizations to achieve success in ways that were not always visible but were critical in navigating complex legal issues and shaping programs into what they are today. John was devoted to his family, especially his daughters and grandchildren. John married Judith Woods Rogers of Lenox on December 30, 1994. His wife, Susan Rogers of Northampton, Richard Rogers (Deborah) of Glendale, WI., Peter Rogers (Paige Carter) of Williamstown, MA., and Laura Rogers of Dorchester, MA.
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