CHICOPEE – John M. Rogalski, 84, of Chicopee was Called Safely Home on Tuesday, February 26, 2013. He passed into Eternal Life from his home surrounded by the care and comfort of his loving family and his wonderful caregivers. He was born in Holyoke on March 2, 1928, a beloved son of the late Michael J. and Antonina (Strobacka) Rogalski. He was raised in Holyoke and moved to Chicopee around 1950. He served his country in the United States Marine Corps during World War II in the Asiatic Pacific Area and in the Occupation of China and attained the rank of Corporal. Following his military service, he returned to the area and was employed for many years as a truck driver for the Teamsters Local 404 in Springfield. He drove tractor trailer for many companies in the area and had last drove for Conway Trucking Company. John was an avid fisherman who knew all the best fishing spots in the area and was often seen fishing with his sons, grandchildren and his many fishing buddies. He was a communicant of Sainte Rose de Lima Church in Chicopee. He was a member of the Aldenville American Legion Post 337, the Knights of Columbus Elder Council 69 in Chicopee and the Holyoke Lodge of Elks. He leaves his beloved wife and best friend, Carol C. (Patrie) Rogalski. They were married on November 18, 1950 at Sainte Rose de Lima Church in Chicopee and were blessed with over 62 years of happiness together. He also leaves his eight loving children, John M. Rogalski, Jr. of Palmer, Kathryn M. Barry of Chicopee, Linda J. Kukowski of Carmichael, CA, Diana M. Rogalski of Chicopee, Stephen M. Rogalski of Southwick, James H. Rogalski and his wife, Patricia, of Enfield, CT, Jane T. Rogalski of Chicopee and Maryann C. Struck and her husband, Dale, of Gilbert, AZ; his 15 cherished grandchildren; his 16 cherished great-grandchildren; and his many dear nephews and nieces. Besides his parents, he was also predeceased by his two dear brothers, Theodore and Frank Rogalski; and his two dear sisters, Martha Nemiec and Helen Lamire. His funeral will be held on Friday morning, March 1, 2013 beginning at the St. Pierre – Phaneuf Aldenville Chapels, (413-532-9806), 13 Dale Street, Chicopee, MA 01020 (funeral home will open at 8 a.m.), followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. in Sainte Rose de Lima Church, 600 Grattan Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. His burial with Military Honors will follow the Mass at Sainte Rose Cemetery, 49 Olsen Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. His family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday, February 28, 2013 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The parking lot and main entrance are located in the rear of the funeral home at 20 Lafayette Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. His family has requested that memorial donations be made in his memory to the Sainte Rose de Lima Church Organ Fund, 15 Chapel Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. For more details, please visit:www.stpierrephaneuf.com