Eugene Charles Bogdon September 29, 1925 – May 24, 2019 Share this obituary Send Flowers Sign Guestbook| Send Sympathy Card Eugene Charles Bogdon, 93, born in West Hazleton on September 25, 1925, passed away on Friday at his residence in Providence Place in Drums. He was the son John and Martha (Mosteller) Bogdon. Eugene was preceded by the passing of his wife of 68 years, Jane Louise (Gicking) in 2016.
Also, preceding Eugene, besides his parents, older brother Robert and wife Betty, younger brother Lawrence and nephew Joseph. Surviving family members include son Jack and wife Mary Adele, daughter Susan and husband Joe Yocum, daughter Judy and husband Tim Shahan, two grandchildren, Alanna Yocum and Katelyn Shahan plus several nieces and nephews residing around the country. Gene, as he was known, is a Naval Veteran of World War II serving from 1943 and honorably discharged in 1946 having received the Pacific Theater, American Theater, and Philippine Liberation Ribbons and the Victory Metal serving aboard the USS LSM 124.
Gene attended Penn State University. He received his undergraduate degree and taught as a graduate assistant while he studied to achieve a Master Degree in Commerce and Finance. After teaching at Lafayette College in Easton, Gene returned to the Hazleton area and was employed by the Autolite Corporation.
Gene began his Banking career with Miners Bank of West Hazleton in the mid 1950’s. He then accepted a position as Cashier of the First National Bank of Freeland and became a Vice President when the Freeland Bank merged with Peoples Savings and Trust Co He achieved the role as Chairman and President when Peoples merged with The First National Bank of Hazleton to become Peoples First National Bank and Trust Co
He also served as Vice Charmain of PNC Corp after the merger with Peoples Bank. Gene retired in 1990. Gene was active in many area civic organizations throughout his career; CANDO, Rotary, Lions club to name a few.
He also taught night classes in economics and finance for the American Institute of Banking, served a term as the President of the Pennsylvania Bankers Association, and was awarded Penn State person of the year for his work with the Hazleton Campus. He was also active with the Masons, belonging to the Azalea Lodge, a Shriner belonging to Irem Temple, Scottish Rite Consistory and the Royal Order of Jesters. His sporting activities included golf, as he was a member of the Valley Country Club, and fishing, whenever he could squeeze them in.
He was an avid Penn State football fan. A viewing for friends and family will be held on Friday May 31 from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM at the Butler Chapel of Krapf and Hughes Funeral Home, Inc., 530 West Butler Drive, Drums. After a short memorial service, Interment will take place in the St Johns Cemetery in St Johns.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to Penn State High Acres or your preferred charity.
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