PLYMOUTH – Walter O. Rogers, “Bunky,” 83, founder of the Walter O. Rogers Insurance Services, passed away early Sunday morning, July 28, 2013, at his home in South Plymouth.
The son of Hubert B. and Norma Osgood Rogers, Bunky was born in Nowich early in October of 1929. He was a graduate of the South New Berlin schools in the class of 1947. He and his wife of 64 years, the former Martha Jones, were married in the North Norwich United Methodist Church in 1949. Early in the 1950s, Bunky joined the United States Marine Corps and served his country for four years during the Korean Conflict. Returning home with his honorable discharge, Bunky relocated to New Jersey where he resided with his family for several years, eventually moving back to Norwich in 1960. His early work years were with the AAA, followed by a time of employment with the Ted Brining Insurance Agency. In 1972, he began his own insurance business, Walter O. Rogers Insurance, which he and his wife operated until recently when the business was sold to his son, Mark. Bunky was well known in insurance circles for his expertise and was often called upon to help with insurance matters. But aside from insurance, he was a community-oriented person who was deeply involved in this area. A member of VFW Post 2782 and Norwich Elks Lodge BPOE 1222, he was also the commissioner for the Plymouth Fire District, and current president of the Chenango County Historical Society where he spent many hours as a volunteer. Bunky had been a member of the Jaycees during his younger days, was associated with Troop 62 Boy Scouts of America, had been a director of Opportunities for Chenango, and was a long-time member of the Norwich Rotary Club for which he was a past president and had served as district governor in l995. An avid reader with a large collection of books of all sorts, he was especially fond of volumes on history. He loved golfing and gardening, and traveling with Martha, whether across the country in their motor home or going abroad to Germany, Scotland, and other locations.
Bunky is survived by his wife, Martha, of South Plymouth; by his sons and their spouses, James and Rhonda Rogers of Leonia, NJ, Mark and Elke Rogers of Burlington, NC, and Craig and Maryann Rogers of Little Ferry, NJ; by his grandchildren, Chris Rogers of Seattle, Margaux Rogers of Manhattan, Richard Rogers of Leonia, James Rogers and wife Maria of South Hackensack, and Craig and Nicholas Rogers, both of Little Ferry. Also surviving are great grandchildren Brianna and Conner; his sisters, Sandra Understiller and husband Norman of Mesa, AZ, Jayne Osgood of Alexandria, VA; and his brother, John Osgood and wife Mary Beth of Nyack. Bunky was predeceased by his sons, Bruce and Lee.
Funeral services for Bunky will be held at 11 a.m. on July 31 from the R. J. Fahy Funeral Home. Bunky’s brother, The Rev. Canon John Osgood of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, NYC, will officiate. Interment with full military rites will follow in the Mt. Hope Cemetery. Friends are invited to call from 6 to 8 p.m. July 30 at the R. J. Fahy Funeral Home.
In Bunky’s memory, please consider contributions to the Chenango County Historical Society, 45 Rexford St., Norwich, NY 13815.