Donald Jeffrey Rodgers

Sadly, Donald Jeffery Rodgers, 79, of Vallejo, California died on July 31, 2025. Born in 1946 to parents Mary Jeanne (Laurencelle) Rodgers and Lionel Anthony Rodgers, Sr. in Napa, California, Don was a lifelong member of the Vallejo community and a man whose quiet generosity, selfless spirit, and sense of humor left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him. Growing up in Vallejo, Don graduated from St. Vincent’s Ferrer High School in 1964, where he was a standout football player and track star. Don served in the California National Guard during the Vietnam war and graduated from Santa Clara University in 1968 with a degree in history and a minor in botany. After college, Don returned home to work alongside his family at Rodgers Bottling Company, where he played a key role in running its day-to-day operations. Don wore many hats at the family business, from skilled mechanic to self-taught engineer and trusted manager. Whether he was building the bottling equipment, fixing the fleet of trucks, or ensuring the safety and quality of the water, Don approached every task at the bottling plant with care, precision, and a deep sense of responsibility. Don’s devotion to his family extended into his later years, when he served on the board of Rodgers Land and Development, a family-owned vineyard in Napa, until his death. Don not only brought business acumen to the “Ranch,” but also his mechanical expertise–he repaired tractors, kept vital equipment running, and even designed custom devices to protect the vines from frost. Don played a significant role in the success of the vineyard and took immense pride in its growth, success, and legacy. Don was a devout Catholic whose faith was a cornerstone of his character. Don was known for his remarkable kindness and quiet selflessness, always putting others before himself. He lent a hand to anyone in need and never sought recognition or repayment. He found joy in helping others and gave generously of time and expertise to everyone. Don also had a quick wit and a sense of humor that brought laughter to those around him–even in life’s hardest moments. His ability to make others laugh was just one more way he gave of himself to others. Don had an impressive range of talents–he was an excellent piano player and talented drummer, a capable sailor who enjoyed navigating the San Francisco Bay, and a skilled sewer who regularly mended his daughters’ and grandkids’ clothes. He had a love of gadgets and a knack for fixing things. If something was broken, Don would figure out a way to make it work again. Above all, he was a family man who cherished his daughters and grandkids, a constant source of support and strength in their lives. Don is lovingly remembered and deeply missed by his children: Mary “Colleen” and Maureen Rodgers; his grandchildren: Annika and Madeline Shehu, Ari, Senia and Sloane Jansky; his son-in-laws: Dean Shehu and Brad Jansky; his brother, Tom Rodgers, and numerous relatives and friends. Don was predeceased by his beloved wife of 34 years, Terry Rodgers; brothers, Lionel Anthony Rodgers, Jr., John “Jack” Clifford Rodgers, and Paul Rodgers; and his parents: Lionel Anthony Rodgers, Sr., and Mary Jeanne (Laurencelle) Rodgers. A visitation will be held on Sunday, August 10, 2025 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. with a rosary at 5 PM at Twin Chapels Mortuary in Vallejo. A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on August 11, 2025 at St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church in Vallejo.

Donald Jeffrey Rodgers

February 23, 1946 - July 31, 2025