April 19, 2012
I have many memories of working with Jeff. Was very enjoyable to be around. My prayers to his children and family. ~ Donna Short Georgetown, Delaware April 18, 2012
You will be missed Jeff ! My prayers go out to the family . ~ Rodney Hudson Millsboro, Delaware April 15, 2012
God bless you and your family. ~ Rick Van Hekle Dover, Delaware April 5, 2012
We are so very sorry for your great loss. Our prayers are with all of you as you face this very difficult time. Fondly, Joel and Mary Jane Temple ~ Mary Jane Temple Dover, Delaware April 4, 2012
Dear sweet Jeff... How could this happen to you? You wanted it soo much. You did everything you could to get rid of this disease . You couldn't help it. IT WAS NOT YOUR FAULT. IT WAS NOT MY FAULT. It had you in its grips. It controlled you without you knowing. No matter how hard you tried. I know that you wanted this for you and your family. You love your family. You did not want this to get in the way of your family. Especially your kids. This could have been me. I prayed and prayed and the doors opened to me.I was the lucky one to make it in. And I would have this disease for the rest of my life. Sober even. This disease wants us miserable and dead. I always have to be aware of it. I have a network and go to NA. And it works...it really really works. I know my family was scared for me. But that didn't matter. My best friend was alcohol and drugs. I hated my "best friend". It made me listen to it. For over 20 years that's the only way I could cope. I kept asking God that if I could feel this way being clean.I was jealous of people that were not sick. I wanted to feel like them. I believed that this was gong to be with me as long as I was alive. I truly believed that this was going to be my life. I tried coming off of these drugs so many times but "this fried" would not let me do it. I would get sicker without it. Everything in my life I had to drink and do drugs so I could at least function. And that alone I could not do anything else... No matter how much I loved my family. No matter how much I knew my life was at stake. I COULD NOT STOP. My disease did not care. My life was so unmanageable and was so angry that I could not do this. My spirit, my mind, my body were hardly there. After I got clean and started to go to meetings everyone there had tried doing it alone. I found out that I had no chance to do it alone. No matter how much I loved my family my brain had changed. I was sick and I had a disease. Just like any sickness. Like being diabetic that needs its insulin to survive. I had no idea how much I was losing to this fatal disease. My family thought it was so simple to stop. And Jeff...I know you wanted to just stop and make it go away. You wanted your life back. You wanted to feel like you did before. Like when we were going to school. I remember you would help others before yourself. That you never said anything bad about people. You had this beautiful red hair. You made me laugh. You did not hang with the people that partied. You never succumbed to peer pressure. I didn't either. Who would have known what laid in front of us? All I know you wanted was to have a family because you had so much love to give. And you did. The way I remembered you, I know you would be a loving father. I thought my drinking was just like anyone else...in my 20's. Everyone else was drinking and I was just going through a phase. Well those people that I drunk with went on to live a sober life. And "that" phase was no longer a phase. They went on with their life. And I couldn't hang with those people that were then living fruitful lives. My back got messed up and the Doctors were just throwing all sorts of powerful pain meds. And when that wasn't sufficient enough I went out and spent my whole check on them. I just got stuck and missed a lot in my life. Making bad choices, my dreams started to fade. Because of how I was living my life. Not knowing a clue that I suffered this disease. Well Jeff...I found out there is a life after drink/drugs. The withdraw was horrible...but I really wanted it. Just like you did. I couldn't fathom how good I could feel. I checked into a rehab for 6 weeks. And I was looking so much the only place I could go to was Florida. The way I look at it that its not fair that there are other people that could not get in. Right now I am coming up on 2 years. A miracle. I had to start my whole life where I left off. And Jeff, you are a miracle. The moment you were ready to commit made you a miracle. And to no fault of your own. I know you are with your family and children. You no longer have to suffer. And your kids need to know from another addict , that even though it took your life, your beautiful soul, that your love will always be there. And you are smiling from the Heavens and telling them that you are OK. And forever love them with all your heart. Love, Your friend (and your family will always be in my prayers) Mary ~ Mary Hanson Wyoming, Delaware April 3, 2012
To Janet and family, so sorry to hear of the loss of your son. Life just isn't fair. Remember him running around church with the kids. We are thinking of you. ~ Linda Thwaites Dover, Delaware April 1, 2012
Thinking of you and hoping you are at peace...we will always be here for your children... With love, Karen, Dennis and Skyler Michaels ~ Karen Michaels Henderson, Nevada April 1, 2012
I am so sorry Lisa....I went to school with your brother and remember him as a kind, caring and fun guy.... So sad......sometimes life is so unfair!! I know he is in a better place. You have my deepest sympathy! ~ Sandra Kessler Dover, Delware April 1, 2012
Jeff we have known each other for a long time. I saw so much of your pain. There was a reason you went to be with your family. God bless you,Tyler and Sara my heart goes out to you and your family. God has opened his arms to you. ~ Terry Johnson Magnolia, Delaware March 31, 2012
Wow..... So hard to believe.... I wish I could have done something more to help you..... You will be missed so much Jeff..... May god keep you safe from this point forward..... ~ Barbara Rogers, Milford, Delaware March 30, 2012
I'm so, so sorry for all you went through Jeff...I dearly wish I could have done something to fix it all and take away the pain...but we both know it wasn't possible for me to do. I love you so much, and I miss you. xoxo your little sis, Lisa ~ Lisa (Rogers) Smith, Las Vegas, Nevada |
April 19, 2012
I am so sorry to hear of Jeff's passing,my prayers and my family's prayers are with Jeff's family and his children. I had many opportunities to work with Jeff he was truly a professional and I enjoyed working with him. Cpl.CLARK ~ Joseph Clark Dover, Delaware April 13, 2012
Jeff was a special person throughout my life. We dated in high school when I was in 10th grade & he in 11th. We met in band. He was in the drum line and I was a majorette. Even after he and I broke-up, we stayed friends. There were many a Christmases (at least 4 that come to mind instantly) that the MacNeill family would not have had a tree, were it not for Jeff. At least twice in high school and twice after high school, when my Dad was still alive and flying, we did not know if he’d make it home in time for Christmas. Christmas Eve would come and our tree wouldn’t be up or decorated. My Mom always wanted to wait for the 3 of us to do all that together (when we were able). Inevitably, Jeff would come by for a Christmas Eve visit and he would graciously & gladly schlep the tree from our basement and I would help carry the ornaments upstairs and the 3 of us (Jeff, my Mom & me) would decorate our tree. My Mom & I still reminisce about those days now. My Dad was so thankful for Jeff and his kindness. I have so many wonderful memories of growing up with your Dad, Tyler & Sara. He was a good & kind person & was a lot of fun as well. When we were first dating, we'd maybe been on two or three dates and your Dad would walk me to the front door and shake my hand or tell me what a nice time he'd had... Ever the gentleman. After that third time, I remember asking him-don't you like me? Your Dad seemed surprised by this question and said yes, of course he liked me. I asked why he never tried to kiss me goodnight or give me a hug goodbye. He answered that he was just trying to be a gentleman as that was how he'd been raised. Over the years and ever since high school, you're Dad & I stayed in touch and were in and out of each others lives a lot. Always just a phone call away. Your Dad is one of the few men I know who didn't mind talking on the phone & visiting. Jeff was a good man and he loved you all so much. He was always talking about Tyler & Sara & their accomplishments & how proud he was of you both! I'm so glad & grateful that Jeff and I connected in life and will cherish all the memories I have of him, ALWAYS. ~ Julie MacNeill Camden, Delaware April 3, 2012
We are sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with family and friends. Mary Joyal and Lee Ann Lepore ~ Mary Joyal Felton, Dealware April 2, 2012
I remember a wonderful young man whose smile could brighten any day. His pain is gone. He has found the peace that is beyond all understanding. You always spoke of him with love. I'm sure he knew that and took that with him on his next journey. Love, Melinda and Bruce. ~ Melina Marsh Dodgeville, Wisconsin April 2, 2012
I am deeply grieved to hear the news of Jeff's death. I cannot imagine the pain you feel right now. Please know that all of you are in my thoughts and prayers. Harriet ~ Harriet Marsden Sun Lakes, Arizona April 2, 2012
I am so sorry to hear about Jeff. I know how much he was loved by his family and that he really wanted to do all he could to support his children. Although his earthly life was full of challenges, he did all he could to overcome them. I am sure he has been greeted in heaven with open arms and unconditional love. May you have peace in your hearts. ~ Teresa Marasek Burbank, California April 2, 2012
I mostly knew Jeff through his parents and children, but recently, I had the privilege to meet and chat with him in person. He was a good and gentle soul, and I'm sorry that his path in life, in recent years, was so difficult. Jeff expressed great love for his children, and his greatest desire was to be able to care for them. His love and true strength of character were shown in the choices he was making to put his life in order. This took great humility and courage, but he knew that it was the right path. God moves in a mysterious way, and we can have complete assurance that a good man like Jeff Rogers was welcomed home with open arms. I offer my deepest condolences to his wonderful parents, Wayne and Janet, and his sister, Lisa, and his children, Tyler and Sarah. ~ Ned Thomas North Las Vegas, Nevada April 2, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family. It is so hard to believe, but God has plans for all of us. Jeff and Barbara had such a beautiful wedding at our house. Tyler and Sara, your Dad will always be with you. We are so sorry for your loss, but Jeff was a good person. May God bless each one as life will go on. ~ Pat and John Moore Wyoming, Delaware April 2, 2012
I knew Jeff in high school. He was a nice person, talented and funny and the lovely tribute helps us remember him that way. My sincere condolences to you and your family. ~ Julie Munzinger Richmond, Virginia April 1, 2012
I am speechless. Jeff recently invited my family out to stay at the hotel he worked at. He and I caught a lot of bad guys together at Boscov's Department store in the late 80's and early 90's. Well he would catch them on camera, and I would run after them while Jeff had a smoke. I was so glad to see him get into shape after leaving the store and get a job with DOC. We had a lot of laughs together but also some philosophical moments, which somehow always returned to laughter. He was a good person and a great friend. I will truly miss him. I know he was always very proud of Lisa's and his children's accomplishments and spoke of them always in the highest regards. My family's hearts and prayers go out to all of his family & friends. Sincerest Sympathy, Dave ~ Dave Pearson Felton, Delaware April 01, 2012
Jeff and family, Am truly sorry that things had not gotten better. My thoughts and prayers hold you and your family in them. ~ Mary Hensley, Harrington, Delaware April 1, 2012
There is no more suffering or pain, mentally or physically. My fondest memories are of all the Nascar races we attended. My prayers to your family. ~ Donna Jackson Harrington, Delaware April 1, 2012
Jeff may you finally find peace. You were such a great friend in High School I am sorry we lost touch. Although you will be missed you are in good hands now and God will take care of you until we all meet again. ~ Hope Lang Fulton, Maryland April 1, 2012
I remember Jeff from Boscov's... Always a nice guy. Saddened at the loss, thankful for knowing him. "One inch of Joy surmounts miles of Sorrow, for laughter is good for the man" ~ODAT~ (Fr Rabalais circ 1400) ~ Barbei Williams Wyoming, Delaware March 31, 2012
I miss you my sweet friend. You were a good person. I wish I could have done more but you were definitely in charge at the end. I guess you needed to be in charge of SOMETHING. It was a pleasure knowing you and I know you are now at peace and out of pain. My thoughts and prayers to your family. Good bye Jeff. ~ Donna Patterson-Mocny |