Bernard Anthony “Bernie” “Tony” Rodgers, 74, of Allentown, Pa., passed away Sunday, June 22, 2025.
Bernie was an adoring father, a fierce friend, and a hard worker who gave everything he had back to his family and to his loved ones. He passed peacefully surrounded by family at the home of his sister, Kathy Boyer, in Greenville, Pa.
Born Jan. 27, 1951, in Butler, he was a son of Margaret Louise Snyder Rodgers and the late Francis Sylvester Rodgers.
He earned a Master of Business Administration from The Pennsylvania State University and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Slippery Rock University. He later enjoyed returning to Penn State when his daughter, Irene, studied there.
He retired from the position of municipal manager for East Coventry Township, Chester County, after 11 years of service.
Bernie liked to travel both nationally and abroad, some of his favorite trips included Hawaii, Ireland, Scotland, and Italy. He had a black belt in martial arts. He enjoyed hiking, hunting, kayaking, spending time with family, and gardening – he made an incredible zucchini bread fresh from the garden. He was also an avid reader of everything from news to novels, some of his favorite titles were Into the Wild, Lord of the Rings, and all sorts of world history, especially European and Native American history.
He is survived by his daughter, Irene L. Rodgers and her husband, Mark, of State College; his son, Louis “Chaz” Gregory, of Philadelphia; his mother, Margaret L. Rodgers, of Butler; three siblings, Sandy L. Broerman, of Odessa, Fla., Francis “Bub” Rodgers, Jr. and his wife, Nancy, of Butler, and Kathy L. Boyer and her husband, Paul, of Greenville; his fiancée, Cathy Button; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father, Francis Sylvester Rodgers.
A Blessing Service will be held on Thursday, June 26, at 11 a.m. at Martin Funeral Home, Downtown, 201 E. Cunningham St., Butler, with Rev. John J. Baver officiating.
Visitation will follow from 12 noon until 2 p.m. at the funeral home.
Burial will take place in St. Patrick Cemetery, Sugarcreek.
The family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers, anyone who wishes, please provide a donation towards cancer research.
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