HOLYOKE:  Francis E. Rogers, age 85, of Holyoke passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 2, 2018.  He was born in Holyoke, son of the late Joseph F. and Johanna M. (Kelly) Rogers and was a 1952 graduate of Holyoke High School.  Fran attended Holyoke Community College and was a United States Air Force Veteran of the Korean War, serving from 1952 to 1956.  He was a retired Adjutant of the Holyoke Soldiers Home, serving from 1981 to 1992. Prior to that he was a State Representative from 1975 to 1979. Fran was the former Vice President of family owned Rogers Van and Storage, Inc., and a Foreman Operator with the Holyoke Gas and Electric Department.  He served several terms on the Holyoke Board of Aldermen and was a member of many community organizations including the American Legion Post 325, Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade Committee, the Hampden County Democratic Committee, and was a life member of the Holyoke Lodge of Elks, #902.  Fran was a former member of the Board of Directors of the Geriatric Authority of Holyoke, former Chairman of the License Commission, and a member of the Board of Trustees at the Holyoke Soldiers Home. He was a very active member of the Friends of the Holyoke Senior Center. Fran is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Carol A. (Poitras) Rogers; a son, Steven J. Rogers and his wife Lisa of Holyoke; a daughter, Carolyn A. Rogers and her partner Daniel Harris of Chicopee; four grandchildren, Kirsten, Douglas, Nicholas and Shannon; one brother, Leslie H. Rogers of Holyoke, two sisters-in-law, Helen Rogers and Janis Raschi, and several nieces and nephews. Fran was predeceased by a son, Michael F. Rogers, three brothers: James B. Rogers, Joseph F. Rogers, William G. Rogers, and two sisters, Mary Kennedy and Coletta Aberdale. The Funeral will be held Monday, January 8, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. from the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton Street followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. in Blessed Sacrament Church, 1945 Northampton Street. Burial will follow in St. Jerome Cemetery.  Calling hours will be held Sunday from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made in memory of Fran to Friends of the Soldiers Home in Holyoke, Inc., P.O. Box 1338, Holyoke, MA 01041.