Jeremy “Jerry” A. Cogan, 80, of West Hartford, CT died on October 20, 2023. Jerry was deeply loved by all who knew him. He will be remembered as a modest man who sacrificed for his family and friends and touched innumerable lives in his life’s work as an educator.
Jerry was born in Trenton, NJ on April 7, 1943 to Morris and Mildred Cogan and spent most of his early life in Cambridge and Lexington, MA before attending the University of Miami. He later went on to get a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Pittsburgh.
For nearly 50 years, Jerry’s purpose in life was teaching. Most of those years were spent at Hall High School in West Hartford, CT, where he co-created and co-taught the Alternative Search for Knowledge (ASK) program, dedicated to supporting students who weren’t reaching their full potential and could benefit from alternative teaching approaches. Jerry could innately connect with every student he encountered, no matter their background or life experience. He took time to get to know each student so that he could understand them and find just the right approach to excite their interest in learning. Jerry was known for teaching to the student rather than to the curriculum. Through his teaching, Jerry impacted innumerable lives, demonstrated by the countless former students that would come back year after year to thank him for what he did for them, often well after they had graduated. A common refrain from many past students was “I would not be who I am if I hadn’t met Jerry Cogan”.
Jerry adored his family and his family adored him. For many years, he raised his two daughters, Jessica and Heather, on his own, always sacrificing for their well-being. His daughters were the light of his life and he loved nothing more than seeing them succeed and build their own families. He doted on his beloved granddaughter, Charlotte, and took great pride in her accomplishments and watching her grow up. He adored Carol Ann, his wife of 38 years, whom he affectionately rechristened “Sasha” because he felt that name just suited her better. He would do anything for “Sash” and they supported each other in their many and varied interests throughout the life they made together. When Jerry married Carol Ann, they combined families and Jerry looked after Carol’s son Brett as if he was his own son. The new family was full of love, laughs, and happiness. Even as the kids moved away in adulthood, the house on Stoner Drive remained the warm and welcoming family gathering place for the holidays.
Beyond Jerry’s own immediate family, he had a broader family of loyal friends, whom he loved as if they were his own family. Jerry had the kindest heart and would take time to truly listen to and connect with his friends at the deepest level. His closest friends have often said that they thought they were Jerry’s only friend because of how special he treated them, only to be surprised that there were many others whom he loved equally. At the center of Jerry’s community were his neighbors on Stoner Drive. Jerry was, by all accounts, the heart of the neighborhood and the catalyst for the many deep and lasting friendships that continue to this day. These were neighbors who would do anything for each other and especially for Jerry when he needed them most at the end of his life.
Jerry was a fixture in West Hartford Center, often seen walking his long line of family dogs, including his dear Callie, a gigantic Newfoundland. He was easily spotted with his signature long hair, baseball cap and long-sleeve plaid shirt. He was quick to laugh and flash his beautiful smile. Jerry was a renaissance man of many interests and talents. He loved the outdoors and hiking, including his many summits of formidable Mt. Washington. He was an incredible athlete who loved running and cycling. Jerry had a passion for cars and dedicated himself to modifying a Porsche 944 into a virtual race car. Jerry also loved the arts. He had broad musical interests and was an accomplished photographer and poet. A lifelong animal lover, he gave generously to philanthropies dedicated to animal welfare. He will be especially remembered for his offbeat and quirky sense of humor and quick wit, often making keen observations of situations and people around him.
The family is deeply thankful for all those who supported Jerry in the last months of his life, especially the wonderful caregivers at Arbor Rose in New Britain, CT. These are truly special people, unsung heroes, who care deeply for their residents and treat them with tremendous dignity and respect.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Carol Ann; daughters Jessica Millman (Toby) of Skaneateles, NY and Heather Nolan (Gregg) of Middletown, CT; granddaughter Charlotte Millman; stepson Brett McGurk (Gina Chon) of Washington, DC; and step-grandchildren Leia McGurk, Kayla Nolan, and Jack Nolan.
For those wishing to honor Jerry, the family suggests making donations to the Westmoor Park Fund of West Hartford, a true gem and one of Jerry’s favorite places on earth.
For those wishing to honor Jerry, the family suggests making donations to the Westmoor Park Fund of West Hartford, a true gem and one of Jerry’s favorite places on earth.