Robert J. Hogan

PAXTON- Robert J. Hogan, 81, of Paxton died Tuesday, May 26. He leaves his wife of 54 years, Barbara C. (Hellstrom) Hogan; two sons, Jon Hogan of Ware and Jay Hogan and his wife Barbara of Charlton; his daughter, Joy Leveille and her husband James of Worcester. He also leaves his grandchildren, Ben and Andrew Hogan of Ware, Danielle and Nicole Leveille of Worcester, Deanna and Daniel Hogan of Charlton; several nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his sister Phyllis Gage.
Born in Worcester, son of James M. and Irene (Barry) Hogan, he graduated from North High School in 1945. After graduation, he served in the US Navy aboard the U.S.S. Iowa, the flagship of the occupation fleet in Japan. After the war he attended Boston University and graduated in 1951. He joined Filenes in Worcester at that time as a trainee in the buying program. He rose to be a Merchandise Manager and then, General Manager of the store. He opened the new Filenes store in Worcester in 1971. He served in that capacity until retiring in 1984. From 1984 until 1992 he served as General Manager of Worcester Center, encompassing the two office buildings, the garages and the Galleria.
During his 41 business years in downtown Worcester he served on many civic and business organizations. He was past chairman of the Worcester Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the Better Business Bureau, board member of the Worcester Business Development Corporation and boards of the Worcester Taxpayers Association, the Worcester Credit Bureau and the United Way of Central Massachusetts. He was a director of the Worcester Regional Research Bureau and Friendly House. Mr. Hogan also served as a member of the City Manager's Bicentennial Commission.
He served as a trustee of the Worcester County Institution for Savings and its successor, Bank Boston, for a combined 21 years. Mr. Hogan was a member of Mechanics Hall, the Worcester Historical Museum, and the Alliance for the American Antiquarian Society and a past president of the Bohemian Club of Worcester. He was a former corporator of the Worcester Art Museum and served on several museum committees. He also served on the boards of Foothills Theatre, John Woodman Higgins Armory, Arts Worcester, and the Performing Arts School of Worcester.
Robert had a full lifelong love of performing arts and, in particular, traditional big band and small band jazz of the twenties to the forties. His musical involvement involved dozens of bands over the area, always playing this type of improvisation. He played for many years with the Tuxedo Classic Jazz Band among many others. His greatest loves were his wife Barbara and his devoted family.
The funeral is private. There are no calling hours. Interment will be in St. John's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his name to the Greater Worcester Community Foundation Arts and Humanity Fund, 370 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608. Arrangements are under the care of Callahan & Fay Brothers Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle Street. To place an online condolence please visit www.callahanfay.com