Marc Ashley Rogers - Obituary

r. Marc Ashley Rogers, of Annapolis, Maryland, passed away peacefully at his home on July 19, 2026, at the age of 72. Born on January 6, 1954, in Hamilton, New York, Marc was the son of Professor William B. Rogers and Luella Marcks Rogers. He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandparents, Henry and Mildred Marcks; his brothers, Bruce M. Rogers and Stuart P. Rogers; and his uncle, Ronald J. Marcks. Marc is survived by his wife, Wendy Rogers; his sister, Andrea Rogers Lindemann; his aunt, Barbara Marcks; his sister-in-law, Diane Rogers; his brother-in-law, Tim Lindemann; and many beloved nieces and nephews, Alex, Anna, Andy, Matty, Emily, Christina, Myles, Johnny, and Abby, along with their spouses and children. Marc dedicated his professional life to teaching, research, and mentoring students in the field of exercise physiology. He retired in 2020 after more than 30 years as a professor in the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Maryland. Earlier in his career, he served on the faculty at Michigan State University from 1987 to 1990. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the State University of New York at Cortland in 1976, a Master of Education degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, in 1979, and a Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities in 1985. He was also a proud graduate of Homer Central High School, Class of 1972. Marc’s love of sports began in childhood and remained a defining part of his life. From Little League baseball and high school athletics to playing baseball in college, he embraced competition and teamwork. Along with his brothers and friends, he spent countless winter days playing hockey on the village green, on frozen ponds around Homer, and during late-night sessions at the college rink. Marc became an avid runner, competing in hundreds of races over the years. In 1984, he won the Greater St. Louis Marathon with a time of 2:25:10, an impressive achievement by any standard. Later in life, he developed a passion for long-distance cycling and enjoyed extended rides throughout the United States with close friends. He also gave back to the sports community as a respected high school and college basketball referee for many years. Marc devoted countless hours to supporting the Special Olympics. In addition to serving as a volunteer basketball referee for more than 25 years, he participated in the Maryland and Delaware Polar Plunges, raising thousands of dollars for the organization. True to Marc’s outgoing and generous nature, each year he swam out to the rescue divers, known as the “frogmen,” to give them a high five. His generosity extended far beyond athletics. During the summers, Marc volunteered at Camp Sunrise, a pediatric oncology camp in Crownsville, Maryland. He also volunteered with the SHARE Food Network in Prince George’s County. During the Christmas season, Marc filled several shoeboxes with gifts for children through Operation Christmas Child. He also quietly prepared care packages containing warm socks, gloves, and sandwiches and drove through Washington, D.C., distributing them to people experiencing homelessness. One of Marc’s favorite memories was traveling to Union Mission in Washington, D.C., to support inner-city children. One year, a child mistook him for Santa Claus—and that day, he was. Acts of kindness such as these reflected his deep compassion and desire to help others. Friendship and family were central to Marc’s life. He maintained lifelong relationships with friends from every stage of his journey and always found time to gather for class reunions, family reunions, lacrosse tournaments, and cycling adventures. He loved to travel, whether visiting family throughout the United States and abroad or attending sporting events with those he loved. In 2010, Marc and Wendy began attending Evangelical Presbyterian Church on Ridgely Avenue in Annapolis. Marc remained an active member of the church until his death, faithfully participating in the men’s Bible study and finding strength in his faith and fellowship. Marc will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, enthusiasm for life, unwavering loyalty to family and friends, and commitment to serving others. His warmth, encouragement, and adventurous spirit touched countless lives, and his memory will continue to inspire all who knew and loved him. Online condolences may be left for the family by visiting the Memories link on this page. In remembrance of Marc, donations can be made to the Special Olympics of Maryland Anne Arundel County (SOMD). Online Here