ILION - David Rodgers, age 77, of John Street, passed away peacefully on Wednesday afternoon May 18, 2011, in his home after an extended illness. He had the comfort of his loving family at his side. He was born on January 21, 1934, in his Herkimer home to the late Warren N. Rodgers Sr. and Catherine E. (Munson) Rodgers. A lifelong area resident; he graduated from Herkimer High School with the class of 1952. On August 1, 1970 he married the former Ruth Hyde in Ilion. David worked as a sander and assembler for the Ilion Remington Arms manufacturing company for over thirty seven years. He retired in 1999. David had an unshakable belief in God and led a devoted Episcopal life. He was a member of St. Augustine's Episcopal Church in Ilion for forty five years followed by thirteen years at Christ Episcopal Church in Herkimer where he devoted his accomplished musical talent to the church as their organist. David found great joy in playing the accordian, paino and organ. He also formerly served as Scout Master for the Boy Scout Troop at Christ Episcopal Church in Herkimer. For all those that knew David, he had a tenaciously strong will, strong back and broad shoulders. David never met a stranger. Watching the NY Yankees and Syracuse University's collegiate sports were some of his favorite hobbies. Surviving are his devoted wife Ruth of forty years, four sons and five daughters; Cheryl A. Moore and her husband Michael of Sellersburg, IN, Jeffrey A. Rodgers of Ilion, NY, Laura B. Rodgers and her fiance Joseph Kostis of Herkimer, NY, Janice Rodgers-Henning and her husband Dee from Daytona Beach, FL, Linda Rodgers from Fall River, MA, Carol L.(Rodgers) Cusworth and her husband Mark from Mohawk, NY, Michael D. Rodgers and his wife Dara Slovik-Rodgers of Pennfield, NY, Warren W. Rodgers and his fiance Debra Jeffrey of Delanco, NJ and Robert E. Rodgers and his wife Candice (Carino) of Mohawk, NY. He is also survived by his only brother Warren N. Rodgers Jr. and his wife Helen and his only sister Louise Brick of Tallahassee, FL. David cherished beloved his nineteen grandchildren and one great-grandson. He has several nieces, nephews and cousins. David had a true love for life but his greatest joy came from the love he poured out to and received from his family. If David wasn't talking about sports, he was talking about his family; specifically his beloved grandchildren. He will be missed by his family and many friends. The family will be present in Fenner Funeral Home, Inc., 115 Court Street, Herkimer to receive relatives and friends on Friday, from 7 PM to 9 PM. Funeral services with Holy Eucharist will be held on Saturday at 10:00 AM at The Christ Episcopal Church. The Very Reverend Paul Bailey, Rector will officiate. Interment will follow on Oak Hill Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made with memorial donations to the Hope Lodge, 1120 South Goodman Street, Rochester, NY 14620. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home and church.