Our community and family sadly lost a pillar on Wednesday, July 28, 2021 when Bernard Michael Hogan Sr., known to all as Bernie, passed away following a valiant battle with Covid. This wasn’t the first battle in his life, of service to many. His selfless contributions to the lives of others include his service in the United States Navy as a Seabee where he served two tours in Vietnam and his 27+ years of service as a sponsor, mentor and friend to many in AA.
His generosity spanned countless charities, veteran’s groups, memberships and mentoring. He was known to make friends wherever he went. He and his wife traveled extensively together, at first with their young sons and later, at times with their families in tow. Together they traveled the globe and always returned with a little something for everyone. Bernie and his wife lived on the water and would delight the family with boating and fishing. Bernie enjoyed building with his hands and woodworking. He was most notably an adventurous and loving grandfather, ensuring all of his grandchildren and even their friends, had trips and passes to the circus, zoo, museum, aquarium, sporting events and so many others, as well as always making time for an ice cream cone!
He was a proud American, a proud veteran and a proud Irishman. He was truly, our very own Santa. Connection was important to him and he kept his friends close and his family closer. He made a sign for his home that reads: Céad míle fáilte meaning a hundred thousand welcomes, and that’s who he was; His door was always open and everyone was a welcome friend at his table. He was everything good and it goes without saying that he was well loved and will be sorely missed.
Born in Schenectady, NY, June 28, 1946, Bernie is survived by his loving community of Riverview and his beloved wife of 53 years, Rita J. Hogan, their three sons; Bernard ‘Mickey’ Hogan Jr., Jeffrey Hogan and Christopher Hogan, along with 8 grandchildren and their mothers. Bernie is also survived by one brother, John Hogan and one sister, Mary Lou Cooper. He was preceded in death by his parents; Patrick and Marion, brother Patrick Hogan and sister Margaret Mariani and granddaughter, Kirstin Marie Hogan.
His legacy will live on in the hearts and memories of everyone he touched as well as those he reached but never met. While words just can’t convey the gravity of our loss, please join us and share your stories of remembrance, as we gather together, in memory of Bernie on August 9, 2021.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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