Kevin Hogarth

Kevin Hogarth, a Jermyn native and longtime resident of Livingston, NJ, died at home at age 68. He was born July 2, 1955 in St. Joseph’s Hospital in Carbondale, PA to John R. and Molly (Neary) Hogarth of Jermyn, Pennsylvania, the fourth of five children. He attended schools in Jermyn and played basketball at Lakeland High School, graduating in the class of 1973.

After high school, Kevin took various jobs before his life took a new direction. While his father had a lengthy hospitalization at St. Joseph’s, he became interested in nursing as a career and he was admitted to the St. Joseph School of Nursing and became an R.N. in 1978.

He had a long and varied career as a nurse when male nurses were an exception and was praised by patients and their families for the care he provided. He worked as an organ transplant coordinator and appeared on TV to explain the importance of organ donation, highlighting the list of patients awaiting an organ. When one became available, he coordinated the safe delivery of the healthy organ to the medical team, often across the country.

During the AIDS crisis, his work entailed in-home delivery of IV medications and care for patients who had little hope for survival. He was often asked to deliver the eulogy for his former patients.

Later in his career, he worked as a nurse in various departments at the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset in Somerville, NJ. After becoming adept with computer systems in hospitals, he became a computer application specialist and taught nurses how to use computers in their work and solved their problems.

He was an avid mountain biker, paintballer and piano player. He rode in New York City’s Five Boro Bike Tour many times over the decades and he took joy in his many hair-raising adventures with his friends and family. He enjoyed performing in JCC Metro West summer musical theater productions, playing accordion and singing in the chorus. He also played keyboards and harmonica in several local rock bands.

He was predeceased by his brother Tom. He is survived by two brothers, Brian (Jesselynn) of New Providence, NJ, Michael (Suzanne) of Harrisburg, PA and a sister Peggy Minnis of Rowayton, CT. Survivors also include nephews Justin Hogarth, Michael Humen and Mark Hogarth and nieces Jane Minnis, Sydney Hogarth, Caelynn Hogarth and Alyssa Hogarth. Also, close friends Vered Helfgott, Ruby Andrion, Dr. Romeo Caballes and Dr. Glenn Wilson. The family wishes to thank the staff at Care One Livingston for their attention and support this summer.

There will be a memorial service and interment in Jermyn, PA on October 28 and a memorial service in New Jersey at a date to be announced.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.quinnhoppingfuneral.com for the Hogarth family.