Paul Joseph Rogan, known affectionately to many as Joe, passed away at age 94 on December 16, 2025, at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital in New London, CT, due to sudden medical issues.
Born on April 24, 1931, in New London, CT, to Lina Forster Rogan and Peter Joseph Rogan of Fishers Island, NY. Joe lived a life defined by service, generosity, and an unwavering devotion to his community and his country.
After graduating from Fishers Island School in 1950, Joe answered the call of duty as a young man and served as a Sergeant in the United States Army during the Korean War. He fought in the Battle of Pork Chop Hill, an experience that shaped him profoundly and instilled in him a lifelong commitment to honor and service. After Korea, Joe remained in the Army as a member of the 82nd Airborne. Upon returning home, Joe carried that sense of duty into every corner of his civilian life.
Joe became a dedicated volunteer with the Fishers Island Fire Department and an indispensable pillar of the Fishers Island community he loved so dearly. He founded multiple fundraisers to support island needs, including the Churches Golf Tournament and the Sanger Memorial Sea Stretcher Marathon. He organized community events, including the Memorial Day parade, a tradition that continues to bring the community together in remembrance each spring.
He could often be found maintaining several local properties, bartending at cocktail parties, engaging guests with his wonderful sense of humor, and randomly delivering roses — his specialty — from his garden to brighten someone’s day.
A hard worker and a caring gentleman, Joe found joy in gardening, tending to the local island horses, and fishing. He loved hunting for golf balls, collecting them and giving them away by the dozen, dancing whenever the opportunity arose, and sharing his knowledge and stories with anyone who would listen. Above all, he was passionate about helping people in every way possible, a quality that endeared him to all who knew him.
Joe was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Jill Rogan; his siblings, Bernard, Peter, Harry, Mary, Ann and Gail; also his first wife, Brittinger Rogan; and his second wife, Mary Jane Rogan. He is survived by his older brother James Rogan; his daughter Priscilla Rogan Derieg; his son Donald Rogan; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. His family and the entire Fishers Island community will carry his memory forward with deep love and gratitude.
A memorial service and celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, on Fishers Island. An 11:30 graveside service with United States military representation and Fishers Island Fire Department members will be held at the Union Chapel Cemetery adjacent to the ballfield. The Celebration of Life reception will follow at the American Legion.
May Joe rest in God’s eternal peace.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Legion Post No. 1045, PO Box 412, or the Fishers Island Fire Department, PO Box 123, both on Fishers Island, New York 06390.
