GOGAN, Earl Mitchell, of Sudbury, passed away on January 8, 2025. He died after an accidental fall near his home. He was 67. Earl, known as “Mitch,” was the son of the late Robert and Virginia M. Gogan. He is survived by his brother Robert Gogan Jr. and sister-in-law Frann S Addison of Acton, sister Virginia Gogan-Tilstone and brother-in-law Alan Gogan-Tilstone of Plymouth, brother Matthew Gogan and sister-in-law Barbara A. Gogan of Sudbury, sister Laetitia Gogan and brother-in-law David Goganian of Sherborn, twelve nieces and nephews, and four great nieces.
Mitch was a loving and attentive son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. His family is especially grateful for the care and companionship he gave his mother Virginia during the last years of her life. Mitch said grace often, most recently at the Christmas dinner table, when he concluded, “And most of all, let us have grateful hearts.” He was a devout member of Ascension Roman Catholic Parish in Sudbury, and prior to that, of Saint John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Parish in Wellesley Hills. Mitch was employed by Ricoh Office Solutions in Waltham and Littleton for many years. He attended Wellesley Public Schools, Beaver Country Day School, and Connecticut College, from which he graduated as a Government major in 1981.
A lifelong history buff, Mitch looked snappy in his red, white, and blue suspenders and kept a copy of the US Constitution in his pocket. He started this tradition after taking part in the Acton League of Women Voters Civics Bee, where the documents were given out as favors. Mitch gave copies to friends, family, and strangers alike, and enthusiastically engaged them in conversations about current events and civics. Mitch loved candlepin bowling at the Acton Bowladrome (he was in the Thursday Night League for ten years). He also liked following Boston sports teams, playing chess, exuberant karaoke singing at the annual Gogan Family Talent Show, and especially just being with his family. Keeping a well-worn datebook on his kitchen table, Mitch sent out hundreds of text reminders annually of upcoming family birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and other special occasions. He donated platelets at Brigham and Women’s Hospital for many years, and participated in the Walk for Hunger regularly. Mitch’s family is proud of his many efforts to help the sick and needy, which reflect his sweet, caring, and forgiving nature.
Donations in Mitch’s memory in lieu of flowers should go to Friends of Sudbury Seniors, Feeding America, the New England Home for Little Wanderers, Boston Area Gleaners, or the charity of your choice.