Robert Rogers died from complications after a stroke. He was 71 and had been spending the winter in San Francisco with family.

Roger, as he was known to his friends, was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. He lived there until 2013 when he became a full-time resident of the Vineyard. During his years in Brooklyn, he was an educator and spent his time as a teacher and district administrator. He ended his career while running an adult literacy program that specialized in preparing young adults to enter the job market. He was heavily involved in a number of associations, most notably the New England Society, where he led their social efforts, and the Society of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, where he served as president and received a lifetime appointment as the organization’s historian.

Roger and his family first came to the Vineyard in 1984, brought here by his lifelong friend Joan Byrd for a weeklong visit. He and his wife Juliana fell in love with the Island and became summer residents the following year. He was an active member of the Vineyard Haven Yacht Club, where he made many wonderful friends. After he and Juliana became full-time residents, he became an active participant in the Island community. During those years, he was a volunteer at Daybreak, part of Martha’s Vineyard Community Services, and become a deacon at the Federated Church in Edgartown.

He will be remembered fondly for his love of making friends, helping people and as the toastmaster of many amazing dinner parties.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son Ciaran and his wife Rachel; and grandchildren Wynn and Nathaniel.

A memorial service will take place at 10:30 a.m. on June 12 at the Tabernacle in Oak Bluffs.