Christopher William Cogan

Christopher William Cogan, 60, passed away at his home in Plattsburgh, New York on March 6, 2020 surrounded by his family and loved ones. He was born September 23, 1959 in Plattsburgh, New York. The eldest son of Carol J. Cogan Smith and William and Erma Cogan all of Plattsburgh, Chris was a devoted son, brother, nephew, cousin and friend. In addition to his parents, Chris leaves behind his sister, Carla Cogan of Fairfax, CA, brother, Kevin Cogan and special friend Lisa Garrand of Plattsburgh, NY, siblings Michael Young, Cindy Young, Kimberly Zvitski and Jamie (Shane) Young, and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews, cousins, and friends. Chris also leaves behind his extended family of caretakers and friends at PATH, the Pleasant Street, Peru, New York ARC residence, and the various North Country ARC residences where he lived during his lifetime. Chris was pre-deceased by Debbie Spellman, a very close family friend who loved him dearly.

Born and raised in Plattsburgh, Chris received honorary degrees from Plattsburgh High School and BOCES. For more than 40 years, Chris worked at Champlain Valley Industries and PATH, where he retired in October, 2019. An avid swimmer and runner, Chris participated in the Special Olympics including the Empire State games and won more than 30 medals over the course of his successful athletic career. Chris loved to joke and laugh with his friends and to watch reruns of Gilligan’s Island and The Andy Griffith Show. He especially loved all things Scooby Doo.

Chris will be remembered for his loving, kind, and gentle spirit. A great teacher of compassion, forgiveness and peace, Chris possessed a quiet wisdom that opened our hearts and touched our souls. He endured the multitude of challenges life presented him with unwavering grace and dignity.

A celebration of Chris’s life will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that we honor Chris by being patient, kind and compassionate with others, especially those who are disabled or unable to advocate for themselves. Donations may be made in his honor to the Advocacy and Resource Center.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad St., Plattsburgh, NY 12901. Online condolences may be offered at www.brownfuneralhomeinc.com.