Martin James Hogan

Martin J. Hogan, 86 of Sandusky, passed away peacefully early Sunday morning, February 7, 2021 in Firelands Regional Medical Center, Sandusky, surrounded by his family.  

Born March 25, 1934 in Newark N.J., he was the son of Martin Aloysius Hogan and Barbara Elizabeth (Bauer) Hogan.  Martin graduated from New Jersey Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (1958) and later earned a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering at Stevens Institute of Technology (1965).  In 1959 Martin spent six months in the U.S. Army where he was awarded as a Rifle Sharpshooter.  After this service, he was assigned to the New Jersey National Guard, where he served until his honorable discharge in 1964.  

Martin entered the engineering profession in 1958 at Factory Mutual Laboratories in Norwood, Massachusetts as a Field Engineer for Fire Protection and Loss Analysis.  He then began his General Motors career for Chevrolet in 1959 in Bloomfield, New Jersey as a Plant and Quality Product Engineer.  He was eventually transferred to the Hyatt Bearing Division, which led to his relocation from New Jersey to Sandusky, Ohio as GM merged the New Departure Division with Hyatt. During his time at NDH, Martin secured several patents related to his expertise in bearings and bearing assembly, including a patent on “Wheel speed sensor for remote installation” that he was proud to have co-invented with his son. His bearing expertise extended into several industries, including automotive, locomotive, aerospace, and textiles.  A lifetime member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), he was particularly proud to have worked on the wheel bearings that were used on the NASA Lunar Rover.

Martin retired from GM after more than thirty years but continued working in his field in several roles including Associate Professor at North Central Technical College in Mansfield, Ohio, Quality Assurance Engineer with Lakeway Manufacturing in Huron, Ohio, Manufacturing Engineer with Paramount Stamping and Welding in Cleveland, Ohio, Senior Project Engineer with Invacare in Elyria, Ohio, and an Application Engineer with NSK-RHP Bearings in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  In these positions, Martin enjoyed sharing his decades of experience and utilizing his knowledge to contribute to the profession and serve others. During this time, Martin also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and worked with his wife Mary at Care and Share.  He was a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church where he had been an usher for many years.  Martin always enjoyed traveling and warm weather vacations with Mary, and loved spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Martin is survived by his son, Martin A. (Jeannine) Hogan of White Lake, Michigan; two daughters, Mary Beth (John Vilseck) Hogan of Huntington, West Virginia; and Kathleen (Erika) Hogan of Cleveland, Ohio; four grandchildren: Julie, Peter, Erin, and Andrew; and a half-brother, Raymond (Rose) Trunk of Madison, New Jersey.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Mary (Desmond) Hogan (March 8, 2016); his parents and Theresa “Tess” (Bauer) Hogan; his sister, Barbara Larson; and his half-brother Joseph Trunk.  

Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. Wednesday afternoon, February 10, at David F. Koch Funeral and Cremation Services, 520 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky.  Due to the COVID-19 health concerns, the wearing of face masks (they will be offered) and social distancing will be mandatory.  If you are uneasy about attending, please feel free to leave a message to the family on our website.  Prayers will be recited at 9:40 am on Thursday, February 11, at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 510 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky.  Fr Zachary Brown will officiate.  Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Sandusky.  

The family suggests in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Habitat for Humanity, 7602 Milan Rd., Sandusky, Ohio 44870, or to the Alzheimer’s Association of Northwest Ohio, 2131 Park Ave West, Ontario OH 44906 (in the memory of Martin J. and Mary D. Hogan.)

Your memories and words of comfort may be expressed to Martin’s family at davidfkoch.com.

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