WWII Army veteran was ‘The Mayor of LeClair Street’

NORTH READING — Charles J. “Charlie” Rogan, 95, of North Reading, passed away peacefully at home after a brief illness on March 21, 2022, surrounded by his children.

Charles was born in Chelsea on April 15, 1926. The son of Helen (Corr) Rogan of Everett and Thomas J. Rogan of Medford, Charles grew up in Franklin and Medford, graduating from Medford High School in 1943. Upon graduation he began working at General Electric, pausing only to serve his country as an Army Corporal during World War II. Over the course of a career at GE spanning 44 years, Charles worked his way up from a forklift driver to Senior Import/Export Traffic Analyst.

He married Elizabeth L. “Bette” (Hurley) Rogan in 1950; they moved to North Reading in 1952 and enjoyed 60 years together until her passing in 2010.

“The Mayor of LeClair Street” was known and loved for his steadfast, selfless devotion to Bette, unconditional love for his children and grandchildren, and his quick wit and love of a good (or bad) pun. He was a member of the American Legion and in his spare time enjoyed fishing, gardening, candlepin bowling, cooking, watching auto racing and playing cards. He also loved traveling, and he and Bette took frequent road trips up and down the East Coast.

Charles is survived by his children, Charles Rogan Jr. and his wife Christine of North Oxford; David Rogan and his wife Mary of Chicago; Denis Rogan and his wife Sandra of Chicago; Brian Rogan of North Reading; and Izzy Oneiric and her husband Louis Maistros of Arabi, Louisiana; and his loving grandsons, Charles Rogan III, Christopher Rogan, and Brendan Rogan. He was predeceased by his sisters, Therese Claire Rogan and Margaret Hain.

Arrangements are in the care of the Croswell Funeral Home. Services were private. In lieu of flowers Charlie wanted people to take their families out to dinner. Those who would like to make a donation in his memory may do so in care of the American Legion.

To send an online message of condolence please visit www.croswellfuneralhome.com.