Gerald J. Hogan

Gerald (Gerry) Joseph Hogan was born December 14, 1933, in St. Johns, Newfoundland, Canada. At the age of 4 he emigrated to the US with his parents and his younger brother Frank. Gerry was the oldest of 6 children.

Gerald grew up on Brooklyn, NY and, as a boy, held many jobs including paper boy for the Brooklyn Eagle, delivering laundry and working in a deli. The man never met a hot dog he didn’t like. Upon graduating from high school Gerald tried enlisting in the US Navy but decided against it when asked if he could swim (he could not). Instead, Gerald enlisted in the US Air Force because, he said, he really liked the uniforms, and he wouldn’t have to swim. He traveled the world while serving his country,

Gerald met his wife Suzanne Paul in 1958. The story goes he had a little too much to drink and not being a drinker, he could not drive so Suzanne stole (borrowed) his brand new 1957 Chevy, dropped him off at the Air Force base and drove herself home. He called her the next day and asked for Margret….. it was love! Gerald was fair, Suzanne was dark, Gerald was an introvert, Susanne an extrovert. They were perfect for each other. They were young, beautiful and in love. They married and soon gave birth to their first daughter, Eileen Marie.

Gerald was still in the Air Force and was stationed all over the world. In the next few years Sue and Gerry divorced twice and remarried each time, the 3rd time was the charm.

Suzanne gave birth to Gerald Jr., but tragedy struck and at the age of 3 Gerald Jr. died of pneumonia. Several years later a second daughter, Victoria Irene, was born.

Gerald retired from the Air Force after 20 years of honorable service and settled on Long Island, NY. He started a new career in Manhattan for a number of years and then, retiring again, did what many New Yorkers do. They moved to Florida.

Gerald and retirement did not agree and he began a new career working at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom for 10 years.

Gerald’s oldest daughter Eileen Marie passed away suddenly in 2006 and his beloved wife Suzanne lost her battle with COPD in 2009.

One of Gerald’s proudest moments was when he became a US citizen in 2010.

His youngest daughter Victoria was by his side when he passed on June 16, 2022. He will be laid to rest on Long Island in the National Cemetery alongside his son and wife.

A funeral mass for Gerald will be held Tuesday, June 21, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Resurrection Catholic Church, 1211 Winter Garden Vineland Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787

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