Obituary of Thomas Dewey Cogan

In Loving Memory of Thomas Dewey Cogan
March 31, 1935 – February 21, 2025

Tom Cogan died peacefully in his home in Caldwell, NJ on Friday, February 21st. His family has planned a wake on Friday, February 28th from 4-6 PM at Hugh M. Moriarty Funeral Home, 76 Park Street, Montclair, NJ 07042. A Celebration of Life Service will take place on Saturday, March 1st at 11 AM at Central Presbyterian Church, 46 Park Street, Montclair NJ 07042.

Tom was born in East Orange, NJ to William and Rose Cogan and was predeceased by his sisters Ellen Weinschenk and Florence McCabe and his son, Michael Cogan. Tom is survived by his wife, Sally Cogan, née Wesson, daughters Carol Piccoli (Darren Piccoli), Beth Knoble (John Knoble), Drury Thorp (Ted Papoulas) and Kelly Cogan (Brian Schneider,) and son Matthew Reid (Peggy Reid.) He also was a proud “Pop” to his 7 grandchildren (Taylor Knoble, Steven Knoble, Addy Reid, Sam Reid, Sally Papoulas, Tess Papoulas, and Cassie Jo Cogan).

Tom saw the world from his bicycle’s handlebars, immersed in the laughter of his students and the love of his family. He lived a full eighty-nine years, proving that life isn't measured in miles traveled but in heart, hard work, and the people you ride beside.

A proud Marine, Tom learned discipline, yet it was on the seat of a bicycle that he initially found his true rhythm. As a competitive cyclist and lifelong rider, he pedaled through life with strength, determination, and just enough mischief to keep things interesting. His grit and determination, led him to countless victories in the saddle culminating in an invitation to the 1956 Olympic Trials. The tales of his crashes and sprints in the Tour of Somerville were legends to his family. Even more impressive was his tendency to opt to bike rather than drive long distances to work and family events. He would show up in his bike cleats, even in the dead of winter, to the bewilderment of all those who weren’t familiar with his passion for skinny tires. Whether sprinting to victory or finding a new “bike route” to a familiar place, he knew that a good ride—like a good life—was about steady effort, a bit of wind in your face, and the joy of the journey.

Shortly after high school graduation, a chance encounter with a childhood friend at a bus stop in South Orange led him to a Marine recruiting office. Already a well conditioned athlete, Parris Island proved to be a minor hurdle for Tom. After proving himself as a dedicated Marine, Tom was honored with a posting in Washington, DC with the Marine Honor Guard. It was there that he proudly marched in the Friday Evening Parades and performed the silent drills with unsheathed bayonets. Last spring, he returned to the Marine Barracks at 8th and I and relived the glory of his service sitting in the front row, reveling in the experience. 

After serving in the Marine Corps, thanks to the GI bill, Tom graduated from Paterson State Teachers College (now William Paterson University). He had traded the parade grounds and barracks for a classroom, where he realized his lifelong dream of becoming an educator. Tom was an elementary school teacher for 35 years, spending most of his career in the Montclair Public Schools. He shaped young minds with patience, humor, and a firm belief in the potential of every student. He enlivened every building and classroom in which he worked. His pranks were legendary and so were the ways he fought for his fellow colleagues and students. Who else would send an inedible school lunch to the superintendent asking if she would serve it to her children!  

Tom met Sally at Bradford School during a fire drill. There was no talking of course, but who could help falling in love with a man who could keep twenty-five fifth graders silent and in line with a smile on his face and a twinkle in his bright blue eyes. They were married for 45 years, always finding joy in being together. 

Of all his roles - cyclist, Marine, teacher - the ones he held most dear were husband, father, and grandfather. Fiercely loyal and endlessly devoted, he loved his family with all his heart. His presence was a constant source of warmth, goofy humor, wild tales, wisdom, and unwavering support.

He leaves behind a legacy of quiet strength, laughter, and love. He nurtured hundreds of children in his classrooms, sharing the beauty of his bright smile and big heart with everyone he met - neighbors, friends, family, and even strangers passing by.

In honor of Tom, take a bike ride, tell a good story, or stay close to home. After all, he proved it’s a pretty good place to be.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of Thomas D. Cogan.