Joseph Robert Bogden – formerly of Monessen
Joseph Robert Bogden, “Bob,” formerly of Monessen, passed away peacefully on Jan. 28, 2024, in Savannah, Ga., at the age of 88. Born in Monessen on Nov. 14, 1935, Bob was the son of the late Joseph and Mary Bogden. Growing up, Bob attended various schools around the Mon Valley, but resided in Monessen with his parents and brother, William “Bill.” Bob graduated from Monessen High School in 1953 and proceeded to study pharmacy at Duquesne University, where he graduated with honors in 1957. Bob began his career working at Thrift Drug, later Rite Aid, in Monessen in the late 1950s, where he focused his life and his profession. Back then, times off were few and far between, with Bob only getting off a few days every other weekend. He regularly walked to work from his home on Second Street down to Thrift on Donner. Throughout his career, Bob worked at multiple pharmacies in the Mon Valley and beyond for 50-plus years, often traveling longer distances to cover at pharmacies in Washington and near Pittsburgh. Bob was a longtime and faithful member of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Orthodox Church, first attending with his mother, Mary, as a child. He was an avid photographer and enjoyed chess, astronomy and puzzles. After his father, Joseph, passed away at an early age, Bob enjoyed traveling with his mother to Florida and other destinations in the Southeast, his favorite being New Orleans. Bob lived with his mother all her life. With his brother, Bill, they took excellent care of her until she passed away in 2002. “Grandma” and “Uncle Bob” were actively involved in the lives and activities of Bill’s children, rarely missing a concert, recital, baseball game or graduation. Last year, Bob moved to Savannah, Ga., to be closer to his family. In addition to his parents, Bob was predeceased by his brother, William “Bill.” He is survived by a niece and three nephews, Pamela and Dr. Charles Usher of Savannah, Ga.; Brett and Gina Bogden of Las Vegas, Nev.; Craig and Celia Bogden of Savannah, Ga.; and Garrett and Courtney Bogden of Lancaster, Pa. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 9, 2024, at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Monessen with Father John Haluszczak as celebrant. A private burial at Grandview Cemetery in Monessen will follow. Arrangements have been entrusted to FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY INC., 700 Broad Ave., Belle Vernon, 724-929-5300, www.FergusonFuneralHomeandCrematory.com. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests you consider a donation in Bob’s honor to St. Nicholas Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 17 Reed Ave., Monessen, PA 15062.
