Roger A. Rogalski

Mr. Roger A. Rogalski, age 96, of Utica, passed away on Wednesday, October 19, 2011 at the Masonic Care Community of NY with his loving and devoted family by his side. Born in Winchester, New Hampshire on April 23, 1915, Roger was the son of the late Frank and Mary Rogalski. He was raised and educated in Winchester, graduating from Thayer High School, class of 1934. A veteran of World War II, he served as a Communications Sergeant for Company B of the United States Army stationed in the European Theater of Operations. Upon his return from the war in 1944, he relocated to Utica. It was in that same year that he married the former Josephine M. Licari with whom he shared a blessed union of 57 years prior to her passing on March 23, 2001. Roger worked as an inspector at Kelsey Hayes, retiring from the company in 1980 after 28 years of conscientious service. At one time he was a member of the 40 & 8 and of the Fort Schuyler Post #1290 of the American Legion. He currently belonged to the Polish Legion of American Veterans (PLAV) the Walter Skiba Post and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post #3968. He was a communicant of Historic Old St. John’s Church. Roger is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, Sharon and Kim Coleman, and Cynthia and Mello Testa, all of Utica; and his sons and daughters-in-law, Roger and Kathy Rogalski of Albuquerque, NM, Robert and Mary Rogalski of Utica, and Richard and Laura Rogalski of New Hartford; grandchildren, Kasey Coleman, Mello Testa, Jr. and his fiancee Samantha Colosimo, Mena Testa, Domenica Testa, Melanie Rogalski, Danielle Baudrand, Mandy Rogalski, Robert Rogalski Jr., Christopher Rogalski, Shannon Rogalski and her fiancé Dale Walker, Melissa Rogalski, Kimberly and Anthony Macera, and Christine and David Edic; and 13 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a great-grandson, Nicholas Patrick Rogalski who passed away on May 24, 1998. In addition, his survivors include a number of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins; and his in-laws, Mary Rogalski, and Allie Rogalski of Conn. He was predeceased by his sisters, Josephine Caban, and Helen Reason; his brothers, Bernard, Alex, Henry, and Stephen Rogalski; and several in-laws. Roger's family would like to extend a special THANK YOU to the entire Bronx Household staff of the Masonic Care Community of N.Y. for the Loving and Professional care that was given. Visitation will be held Sunday from 3-6 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. The Walter Skiba Post #20 will gather at 5:30 on Sunday for ritualistic services. By family request, please omit floral offerings. Roger’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Monday morning at 9:00 from the funeral home and at 10:00 at Historic Old St. John’s Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered with Military Honors. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Roger A. Rogalski

April 23, 1915 - October 19, 2011