Francis Christopher Rogan

Our beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle and Friend, Francis Christopher Rogan closed his eyes for the last time on June 28, 2014. Surrounded by his loving family he made a peaceful transition after a long, courageous battle against cancer.

Born in County Armagh, Ireland on April 8, 1941 to Thomas and Mary Rogan, the family shortly thereafter moved to Manchester, England where he resided for much of his life. Here in Manchester his lifelong love and support for Manchester City began, and during the more difficult times of the last 12 months he found great comfort and joy in watching matches, and most notably City’s last premiership win in May. He attended St. Gregorys Grammar in Manchester, preceded by 5 years as a seminary at the Sacred Heart College in Shropshire, England. His next life endeavor began as a business owner in the Food Service industry, and Francis, throughout his life enjoyed great success in restaurant ownership and management. His career path created countless friendships, many which he maintained throughout his life. Francis never knew a stranger, all who crossed his path were blessed with his great knowledge, conversation and compassion, and he will be greatly missed by many. Francis, Jan, Rachel and Francine moved to North Carolina in 1996, where he continued working in the food industry until he retired. Francis’ infectious behavior and zest for life spread into the many friendship’s he formed in the USA, and the joy and laughter he shared was reciprocated by many.

He is preceded in death by his father Thomas, his precious mother Mary, and recently his dear brother-in-law Malcom of Hartford CT, who also had courageously fought cancer for many years. Francis leaves to carry on his beautiful spirit and legacy his devoted, darling wife Jan, his children Claire, Cliff, Jason, Rachel and Francine, his very special grandchildren Daniella, Benn, Dominic, Millie and Tavian, who were all the light of his life, his loving daughter-in-law Sally, his beloved “baby” sister Johanna (whom spent a fantastic week with Francis before his decline) and older brother Michael, also his lovely niece Nicky and her beautiful daughter, his great niece Jenny. Throughout the years Francis “adopted” more children, namely Dena, Tara, Raquel, Tracey, and Christy, his special friend Nina, and her children, whom he witnessed battle and overcome cancer much to his delight, The Edmiston and Bonifacio Families, his darling Angel Donna and her husband Carl Parkinson who have always been fantastic friends and a great pillar of support, his Trali and Hibernian families, Ramona, Ali and his GC family, his precious friends Herman, Erika and Miles and the Bright family who have been an unwavering support system for the family during this difficult time. Also the Keyes family and their families in Manchester England whom he cared for so much. And to all those that offered him a kind word, a good laugh and probably a strong drink, thank you so much for the friendships extended to Francis, you all know who you are. A special thanks to Dr. Crane and his amazing staff at the Rex Cancer Center, and also the nursing staff of Wake County Hospice who provided comforting, dignified care throughout his final days.

His family would like to invite all his friends to a Celebration of Frank’s life on Tuesday July, 1 2014 at Browne-Wynne Funeral Home, 1701 E. Millbrook Road, Raleigh NC 27609 from 6:00-8:00 PM. A special time of reflections and sharing of memories will begin at 7:00 PM.