Harvard to Hold Service For Former GSAS Dean

The University will host a memorial service for Francis M. Rogers. Smith professor of the language and literature of Portugal emeritus and former dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, on December 9 at Memorial Church.

Rogers, who died in August, headed the graduate school from 1949 to 1955 and chaired the Department of Romance Languages and Literatures from 1961 to 1966.

During World War II. Rogers was a lieutenant colonel in the Marine Corps and earned a Silver Star for driving several officers, including General George S. Patton's chief of staff, through enemy lines in French Morocco.

His experience in the military made Rogers legalistic and "rather straight as a person," said Professor of Romance Languages and Literatures Nicolae Iliescu, a colleague and close friend.

But Iliescu said he was also very friendly, calling him "a jovial host." "When we had receptions at his house he was very warm and open, so everyone felt at ease."

Born under the name Rodriguez in Massachusetts' New Bedford Portuguese community, Rogers specialized in Portuguese philosophy and the Portuguese experience in the New World.

Rogers was 75. He is survived by his wife Elsie and his daughter Sheila.