Francisco Rolan

Francisco “Frank” Rolan, 95, of Green Bay, WI, passed away Monday, November 24, 2025 at New Perspectives in Howard, WI. He was born in Madrid, Spain on July 4, 1930 to the late Antonio and Esmeralda Rolan.

His odyssey began in April 1943, during the Spanish Civil War, when he boarded the vessel Magallanes with his mother and set off on the month-long journey to the United States. They arrived in New Orleans, LA in May 1943 where they made their way via train to Warren, Ohio where his father had been working.

Frank graduated from Warren G. Harding High School with the Class of 1949. He met his future wife, Kathleen Riachy, while they were both working at the A&P grocery store in Warren, OH. They married in 1951, had two children, and shared 48 years together before Kathleen’s passing on July 17, 1999. In 2007, Frank married his childhood friend, Vicenta Alonso.

Frank was employed by Ween Engineering and LK Comstock for many years as a Project Manager of several nuclear power plants throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. He was a member of organizations, including Toastmasters, BPOE Elks, Masons 32 degrees, Boy Scouts, and Arts Unlimited.

A gifted artist, painter and photographer, he found happiness in teaching his great-grandchildren to draw (Kilroy was his favorite), telling them stories of his Spanish heritage and always joking he deserved to celebrate two birthdays, since his actual birthdate of May 28th wasn’t officially registered until July 4th. He took pride in his collections. Meticulously organizing many things, including coins, stamps, maps and pins. He also enjoyed gardening, boating, golfing, and the simple pleasure of a Sunday afternoon Packer game.

Frank loved to travel, and enjoyed showing his family the beauty of the world. From cross-country adventures to international trips, including visits to show the family his childhood home in Madrid, Spain. He believed deeply in the value of shared experiences and seeing life beyond one’s doorstep.

His spirit lives on in the stories he shared, the journeys he inspired, and the family who loved him dearly.

He is survived by one daughter Chris (Jerry) DeGroot; grandchildren, Jenny (Jon) Morrow, Eric (Kerry) DeGroot, Meghan (Brian) Bulkowski; great-grandchildren, Mason, Logan, Nolan, Isabella, Greyson, Kathleen and Mae.

He was preceded in death by his brother Tony, and son Franco.

A celebration of life will be held at Malcore Funeral Home, 701 North Baird Street, Green Bay, WI 54302, Saturday, November 29th. Visitation at 10:00 am and service at 11:30 am.

Entombment will be at Allouez Mausoleum.

Frank's family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the entire staff at New Perspective and Unity Hospice for their incredible care and compassion to Frank and the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Unity Hospice or Green Bay Botanical Garden.