Harvey Francis Rodgers

MANCHESTER-Harvey Francis Rodgers, 98, died at home on Monday, September 14, 2015. Harvey lived his life content with working hard, not just because he had to, but for the sheer joy of working. He rarely complained, and saw purpose in everything, always reminding us that everything that is broken can be fixed with a little determination. It may not look the same but it will function again. He was the husband of his beloved wife Sarah Emma (Waltemyer) Rodgers with whom he shared a wonderful marriage for over 71 years and missed daily since her passing. They worked together, built a family together and traveled the world together, a reflection of true companionship and commitment. He was employed as a mechanic for many years, eventually retiring from Hall’s Motor Freight, though his favorite job was traveling all over York County fixing tractors and machinery for the local farmers and sharing life’s stories. Harvey was a faithful member of the New Fairview Church of the Brethren where he served for nearly 70 years and joyfully reminded everyone that he was the oldest man in church for the last several years. He was always grateful for the life the Lord had given him. It was much more than he had ever expected. He was born August 30, 1917 the oldest son of the late Clarence and Florence (Wire) Rodgers of Dover and is survived by his sisters Effie Landis of York and Charlotte Harper of New Mexico, his brothers Ralph Rodgers of North Carolina and Charlie Rodgers of California. He is preceded in his passing by his sisters Alice Garrett, Mildred Sweitzer, Edith Stare, Laura Sledge and his brother Clyde Rodgers Harvey leaves us with many memories of a life truly enjoyed and blessed by fellowship with family and friends. Among his beloved family are two sons, Richard and his wife Susan Rodgers of Dover, DE, Thomas and his wife Jane Rodgers of Wayzata, MN, his three daughters, Delores and her husband Phillip Graybill of Dover, Janice Belcher of Manchester, Carol and her husband Bradley Bear of York, 17 grandchildren, 22 great-grand children and five great-great-grandchildren and the many more who became family by spirit or by marriage, numbering over 70. To his sadness he was preceeded in his passing by his daughter Gloria and her husband Gary Fleming, his son Leroy and his wife Sharon Rodgers, his son in law Ronald Belcher and three grandchildren, Kellie Rodgers, Ethan and Wade Fleming. Harvey enjoyed people and always had a warm handshake for friends or strangers, though they were rarely strangers for long. His greatest joys came from his family, traveling anywhere near or far, and farm tractors. We welcome family and friends to share in a celebration of Harvey’s life at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday September 20, 2015 at New Fairview Church of the Brethren, 1873 New Fairview Church Road, York with Pastors Paul Bentzel and Wayne Hartman officiating. Viewing will be from 1:30 to 2:30 Sunday at the church. Burial will be at Suburban Memorial Gardens. Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Inc. is in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the New Fairview Church of the Brethren, or Caring Hospice, 101 Good Dr., Lancaster, PA 17603.