Eugene Gordon Rogillio

Eugene Gordon Rogillio Sr., 88--known as well for his life of service as for his gregarious personality and business acumen--died at his Baton Rouge home Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2015. He was surrounded by family and friends. He leaves his beloved wife of 66 years, Dorothy Sullivan Rogillio; two sons, E. Gordon Rogillio Jr. and his wife, Alison, and Eldon Wayne Rogillio and his wife, Shelley; five grandchildren, Eugene "Trey" Rogillio III, Brandon Wayne Rogillio, Tracy Rogillio Allain, Cody Wayne Rogillio and Clay Michael Rogillio; six great-grandchildren, BJ Rogillio, Bennett Rogillio, Riley Allain, Grayson Trey Allain, Carter Wayne Rogillio and Jaxon Allain; his in-laws, John L. and Patsy Sullivan, Albert and Linda Sullivan and Loretta Gibbons; and several nieces and nephews. His brothers Mervin "Buck" Rogillio and Benny Rogillio preceded him in death. His family extended beyond the Rogillio clan as many people know him in different roles as Gene, EG, and Pawpaw Roe. Born in Central, Gene was the son of John Gordon and Edith Kelly Rogillio. In his early years, Gene lived in a little tenant house owned by Evans White. Gene once wrote, "The White family and all my neighbors looked after me. These people, along with my grandmother, saw to it that I was raised right." At 17, he joined the Navy where he served as an MP. After service, he returned home to finish high school. He then earned his degree from Southeastern Louisiana University and did post graduate study at Louisiana State University. Supporting education was his lifelong commitment. He began his career at Central Elementary teaching sixth grade. Over time, he served on Louisiana's Board of Trustees for State Colleges and Universities, the Board of Directors of the Junior Division at Louisiana State University, and the Bi-Racial Committee for East Baton Rouge Parish School Board. He also was a member of Southeastern Louisiana University's President's Council. In 1957 he started a real estate company and was involved in all aspects of commercial and residential real estate for more than 50 years. Through it all, Mr. Rogillio maintained his service commitment not only to education but to his community at large. For 16 years he served as chairman and vice-chairman of the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport Authority and chairman of the Baton Rouge Metro Board of Adjustments. He also served on the State Board of Directors for the Boy Scouts of America. In 1992, President George Herbert Walker Bush appointed Mr. Rogillio Special Assistant in the United States Small Business Administration. The funeral is at 11 AM Friday, Nov. 20, at Zoar Baptist Church where Mr. Rogillio and his wife have been members for more than 60 years. Visitation is 9-11 AM at the church. The Rev. Kevin Hand will lead the service. Rabenhorst Funeral Home in Baton Rouge is in charge of arrangements. As the Central community helped Mr. Rogillio in his early years, the family extends special thanks to those who helped him at the end of his life, especially the devoted service of Trisha Henderson. The Rogillio family extends its appreciation to Garnette Brignac, Annette Derouen, Tom Higginbotham and Tasha Magee for the outstanding care they provided.