Thomas Melvin Rogers, called Tom, had many hobbies that he enjoyed, including singing, cooking and carpentry. He worked with the Philadelphia Sanitation Department where his co-workers affectionately gave him the nickname “Candyman,” because of his love for candy. He died on Jan. 24. He was 70.

Rogers was born on Dec. 22, 1941 in Mt. Vernon Springs, N.C. to Florence and Charlie Rogers. He was educated in the Philadelphia public schools.

At a young age, he joined Greater St. Matthew Independent Methodist Church. At age 18, he joined the United States Air Force. Later, he was employed with Boeing in Eddystone. Then he worked with the Philadelphia Sanitation Department.

He is survived by his wife, Margie; mother, Florence Rodgers; two sisters, Cecelia Townsend (Lincoln) and Fannie Alexander; son, Kevin Rogers (Siedah); four daughters, Michelle Harbin (Glen), Anjenette, Kimberly Rogers and Kia Coleman (Darren); stepdaughter, Sandra Elaine Brown; four sisters-in-law, Barbara Brown, Jessie Bryan (Leon), Rosa Lee Sheppard (Esau) and Yvonne Greene (Ulysses); nine grandchildren, Kimberly, Kevin Jr., Amber, Latanya, Jasmine, Glen Jr., Ron, Dontae and Shantae; four great-grandchildren, Tori, Jamire, Jasir and Danielle; and two special friends, Mary Memminger and George Campbell.

Services were held Jan. 30 at Loyal Baptist Church.