Francis J. Pogan ’55

Frank, who once said, “Princeton sent us out in the world with the right ideas and attitude,” died Sept. 25, 2023.

He was born Jan. 19, 1931, in Jersey City, N.J., and attended Mercersburg Academy, where he participated in baseball, swimming, and dramatics.

At Princeton, he joined Charter Club and majored in civil engineering. Frank participated in freshman and varsity swimming and baseball, winning a varsity P in swimming, He also participated in IAA football and softball and was a member of the Brown Hall championship track team in 1953. His senior-year roommates included Dick Evans, David Olfe, and Donald McConnell.

After a stint in the Army, Frank moved to California and spent 30 years in electronics manufacturing, mostly with Hughes Aircraft, retiring as program manager in 1988. He took up golf and after several years remarked, “I’m still trying to figure it out.” He told how when his doctor said he could live at least another 15 years, “I said I couldn’t afford it. The doctor said I should get a job.” So he did, becoming a licensed financial consultant and realtor.

Frank was predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Rita, in 2008. He is survived by their children, Linda Peterson, Lisa Murray, and Christian Murray; and 10 grandchildren.