Michael Louis Rogers, z”l, of Portland, originally from Erie, Penn., died unexpectedly on May 6, 2025 at the age of 57.

A lifelong learner, devoted friend, incredible brother, and quiet force for good, Mike brought humility, intelligence, and a dry sense of humor to everything he did. He spoke five languages and held finance positions at B’nai B’rith, Population Services International, Mercy Corps and, most recently, Multnomah County.

Mike volunteered for over a decade as an English teacher for Spanish-speaking immigrants and freely gave his time to organizations, including Whitman-Walker Clinic, Oregon DECA, Imago Dei Central City, and Portland’s Neighborhood Emergency Team. He served quietly and wholeheartedly, never seeking attention—only to make a difference.

He earned a bachelor’s in Accounting from the University of Pittsburgh and an MBA and a master’s in international relations and information technology from the University of Maryland. Mike believed education was a lifelong journey, meant to be shared and used to serve others.

As an adult, he converted to Judaism and embraced his faith with sincerity and heart. While living in Washington, D.C., he was an active member of Bet Mishpachah, the city’s LGBTQ+ synagogue—a spiritual home that reflected his values of inclusion and belonging. He later traveled to Cuba on a mission with his synagogue, a reflection of his commitment to global service and connection.

Mike found joy in thinking deeply, traveling widely, cooking for others, singing karaoke, and laughing hard. He had a sharp mind, a discerning palate, and a true passion for comedy. His sense of humor was legendary—so dry it could qualify as a drought. He’d drop a line so subtle that you’d laugh two beats later… and by then, he was already halfway across the room.

Mike was preceded in death by his father, Michael Louis Rogers, Sr., z”l. He is survived by his mother, Judith Holland Bien; stepfather, Jerome Bien; sisters, Abigail Matz Jankowski (Jeff) and Kim Gardner (Dale); and nieces, Chloe, Aubrey, and Ashley—along with a wide and loving circle of friends, colleagues, and community members—whom he loved deeply, and who were better because of him.

Mike’s life will be celebrated on Sunday, June 8, at 2 pm at Enso Urban Winery in Portland. Friends are warmly invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to DC’s breadforthecity.org—or, as Mike would have preferred, roll up your sleeves, lend a hand, and quietly make someone’s day a little better.