Michael Kogan Obituary

He was my friend for more than 50 years ...
I miss him profoundly.
Fr. Vincent J Rigdon

He Lectured at the Abbeville Institute and his lecture was great. He was brilliant and knew history as well as philosophy. His death is a great loss to Charleston and all of us.

Farewell, my good friend of 50 years. Go with God.

In 1976 MSC Dept. of Philosophy had the most amazing professors. Professor Kogan was really sharp. All the professors openly debated each other all the time. Professor Kogan was as well-dressed as he was kind. He loved conversing with students. His kindness and empathy were profound. He loved Nixon and was an advisor of some note. We teased him mercilessly. All the professors and students adored him. He continually sponsored some of the finest symposia and bacchanalias at semester's end with bar-b-q's. I am personally indebted to Professor Kogan. He was a lot of fun and a sharp guy.

I will always remember our somewhat heated but always respectful debates. And your flair for art staging and design. Give them Hell up there!!!

He was a true Southern patriot. He will be missed.

You were a father figure and mentor to many including myself, the world seems a little dimmer without you.

It was such a privilege to know Michael for the last 30 years! What a great intellect and a huge personality that enlivened and entertained every minute spent with him. He truly will be greatly missed!

Please find the corrected version below:

Michael was a Renaissance man, with an unparalleled curiosity about culture and people. His point of view on any topic was always strong and unique, based on his own thinking and convictions - without any rigidity or preconceptions. He was also a true friend, both in happy and sad times. Rest in peace, my friend.

Emmanuel Villaume
Conductor, Music Director Spoleto USA 2001/2010

An amazing professor has been lost. I am hurt.

Professor Michael Kogan z'l has been my dear friend for over 30 years.
When I moved to Montclair, we would spend hours discussing and debating the finer points of Jewish, Christian and Philosophical texts with delight and satisfaction about the joy of being together.

Michael was a true gentleman and a scholar and I along with so many others will miss him dearly.

May his Memory be a Blessing to us all.

Gerry Gross
Fort Walton Beach, FL

Michael Kogan, my oldest and closest friend since childhood, will be remembered first and foremost a teacher, inspiring and mentoring his students as he sought to reveal eternal truths. He lived a righteous life, filled with kindness, caring and generosity. He is sorely missed. My sincere condolences to all who knew him.

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Michael Kogan was a treasure-trove of knowledge about Judaism and Christianity, which he generously shared with the Charleston community. His lectures always enlightened. He will be missed by many.

Dr. Kogan inspired me to answer my calling to ministry. I took every single class he offered at Montclair State University. He was highly approachable to his students, both young and old. As I teach Biblical Studies and Theology courses, I pull from everything he ever taught me each day, and try to be as approachable to others as he was. His loss leaves a tremendous void within me. I am grateful for the gift he was to me, and now others through me.

John E. Herbert

I was a friend and neighbor of Michael´s in Charleston for several years and have happy memories of Passover Seders and Robert E Lee birthday celebrations at his apartment. My living room is adorned with two treasured gifts from him: a dried bouquet of flowers he sent me when I spent a few days in Roper Hospital a few years ago and a miniature figurine of George Washington he sent me when I was president of our homeowners association. I am grateful to Michael for introducing me to a housing consultant who recommended the assisted living facility where I now happily reside. I am privileged to have known Dr. Kogan.

Just a few days ago, I thought of my professor Dr Michael S. Logan and found his lectures and address on the internet. Now, I see the announcement of his death. I´m so sorry. I took his courses at Montclair State College in early 1970´s. He had field trips and get togethers at his townhouse. Michael, I´m sorry I missed speaking with you again before your passing. See you in Heaven. Ann Amato Watkins

Dr. Kogan was a pleasure to serve! I am the maintenance supervisor for the building in which his home is located. I always left a conversation with Michael, wishing I had more time with him. I always learned from something! I will miss him dearly and he will forever be on my list of the most interesting people I have ever known.

Dr. Michael Kogan was a true Southern Gentleman, but more importantly, he was a true mensch!!!

Dr Kogan held his heritage near to his heart, willing to defend it and The Cause to the end. Always vocal, frequently controversial, endeared by those who considered him a friend.

Our thoughts and prayers to Dr. Kogan´s family and friends during this time of remembrance.