The Community Rec industry mourns the passing of Steve Rogers, the CEO of the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades and remembers his legacy.
On Wednesday, January 15, the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades announced CEO Steve Rogers passed away.
“The Board and the staff of the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades are deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of Steve Rogers, our CEO,” the JCC said in a Facebook post. “Steve was a longtime member of the J and was serving as board chair when he took on the role of our CEO in December 2021. He led the JCC with enthusiasm and pride and exemplified our Jewish values. Through his leadership our JCC has achieved new heights, and in times of grief united the community in our role as the Jewish Town Square. His passing is a profound loss for the entire community. He was, in every sense of the words, a true mensch and friend. Our hearts and prayers are with his beloved wife Robin, and the children he adored: Jason, Alec, Shani, and Jamie. May his memory be a treasured blessing, now and always.”
Funeral services for Rogers will be held on Friday, January 17, at 10:00 a.m. at Temple Emanu-El of Closter, located at 180 Piermont Rd. in Closter, New Jersey.
The JCC is working on hosting a satellite viewing of the services on campus, offering community members an opportunity to come together and participate. Further details regarding these arrangements will be shared as they become available.
The JCC Association of North America released the following statement on Rogers’ passing on LinkedIn on Thursday, January 16:
“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic news of the unexpected passing of Steve Rogers, z”l, CEO of the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades in Tenafly, New Jersey, and a former member of the JCC Association Board of Directors. Steve passed away yesterday morning, leaving behind a legacy of remarkable leadership and unwavering dedication to the JCC Movement.
Steve became CEO of the Kaplen JCC in December 2021 after many years as a devoted member and Board Chair. As CEO, he led with enthusiasm, pride, and an abiding commitment to Jewish values, elevating the Kaplen JCC to new heights and uniting his community in times of both celebration and grief.
From 2018-2022, Steve served on JCC Association’s Board of Directors where his steadfast dedication to the JCC Movement and Jewish communal work inspired colleagues across North America. His passion for his JCC, his local community, and the broader JCC Movement was unparalleled, and his vision will continue to serve as a guiding light for all who knew him.
The loss of Steve Rogers is a profound one, and our thoughts are with his beloved wife Robin and his children, Jason, Alec, Shani, and Jamie. Steve was a true mensch and friend, and his memory will forever be a blessing and an inspiration to us all. May his family, friends, and colleagues be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.”
If you would like to make a memorial or tribute gift to the Steve Rogers Memorial Fund, click here.
