Central Loses a Legend: E.G. Rogillio

    Former Central resident Eugene Gordon (E.G.) Rogillio passed away at the age of 88 on November 17.  E.G. was born on March 25, 1927 in Central to John Gordon Rogillio and Edith Kelly Rogillio.  He and his brothers Buck and Benny were raised on the old White property.   A World War II veteran, he served as a Naval MP, then came home to earn a degree at Southeastern Louisiana University and marry his wife of 66 years, Dorothy Sullivan Rogillio.  They had two sons, Eugene Gordon Jr. (known as “Gordon”)  and Eldon Wayne.   After college and some graduate school, E.G. began his career as a 6th grade teacher at Central Elementary School, then in 1957 opened Rogillio Real Estate, which he ran for more than 50 years.
    While living in Central, he became aware of the work being done to create a fire department for the Central area.  At the time, there were no nearby stations and no fire hydrants in the area.  Engines would have to respond from Baton Rouge, often taking upwards of 30 minutes to arrive at a fire.  E.G. became involved by using his experience as a real estate agent to work with LW Eaton, who donated the property for the new station.  “He was the one who was instrumental in helping us get the property,” stated Jim Fergerson, the CVFD’s first secretary.   E.G. also donated material and labor costs.  In 1972, he became a member of the first Board overseeing the new Volunteer Fire Department.  Last year, a plaque was unveiled at the Central Fire Department Substation on Sullivan Road honoring him and fellow charter board members Tommy Lee, L.J. Bergeron, Jim Fergerson, Charles O’Neal, C.J. Watson, Grover Stephens, and John Parker. “He was a hard worker for Central, “shared Grover Stephens.  “He did all he could to promote the fire department.”  
    State Senator Bodi White remembered, “I’ve known E.G. my whole life.  He grew up across the road from my family.  He was close to my dad.  He grew up in the Depression, lost his parents at a young age, and had to raise his brothers Benny and Buck.  He was a big backer of Central schools and the kids there.  While on the Board of Supervisors at Southeastern University, he would take students from Central out to lunch, including me.  He sponsored CAYL teams, and was always contributing to school programs.  He helped many people in Central buy their first house.”
    E.G. went on to serve on many boards, committees, and councils state wide, highlighted by his appointment by President George H.W. Bush to serve as Special Assistant in the Small Business Administration.  He was known for his commitment to his community and his generosity.  He was also a faithful supporter of Boy Scouts of America, serving on the State Board of Directors.  A funeral was held for him at Zoar Baptist Church, where he has been a member for over 60 years, on November 20.
    “He was a great friend of mine,” shared former Representative Clif Richardson, “He was a great friend to all the people of Central.  He did so much to bring us to where we are today.  He would help anybody in the community – that’s the kind of man he was.”