Obituaries

Gary B. Kogon, 67

January 9, 1954 - September 04, 2021

Gary B. Kogon, 67, passed away peacefully due to glioblastoma multiforme on Saturday, September 4, 2021, at home surrounded by loving family. He was born in Brooklyn, NY, and grew up in Wilmington, DE, and was the son of the late Dr. Irving and Rita Kogon.

Gary completed his undergraduate degree at The University of Tennessee in Knoxville and his master’s degree at Penn State. While at Penn State he met his beloved wife Linda. In 1987, he and the family moved to Lancaster, PA. Gary was dedicated to Judaism and Israel. He was active on the board of the Jewish Day School and served numerous terms as President of the Temple Beth El board. Gary was also a member of the Executive Committee of the Lancaster Federation and was the Lancaster liaison for Israel Bonds. Gary was invited to join the Executive Committee of the USCJ Mid-Atlantic Region and was asked to represent the Region as a member of the International Board.

Gary was one of Auntie Anne’s earliest and most highly regarded franchisees, opening his first pretzel franchise in 1990. Many of his store managers had lengthy tenures as well, serving as a testament to the positive work environment he created and exemplified by managers receiving the Perfect Pretzel Manager Award. Gary was an influential member of the Auntie Anne’s corporate community, serving in regional leadership roles over three decades. The input he provided was valued as exhibited by his receipt of the Blue Ribbon and Pretzel Perfect Store awards. Gary encouraged his stores to actively raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network and Alex’s Lemonade Stand, garnering him the Spirit Award.

Gary was devoted to his community and family and beloved for his kindness, generosity and sense of humor. He doted on his wife, three daughters and five grandchildren. Gary leaves behind his cherished wife, Linda, and daughters Amy Jo (Joshua Goldwyn), Sherie (Avner Mar-Chaim) and Chava and five grandchildren, Ari, Noam, Levi, Maya and Daniel.

Funeral Services for Gary will be held at 11AM, Sunday, September 5, 2021 at Temple Beth El, 1836 Rohrestown Rd., Lancaster, PA 17601. Interment will follow at Beth El Cemetery, Lititz.

The family would like to send a heartfelt thank you to the Chesed Committee of Temple Beth El for the constant supply of meals and support throughout Gary’s illness.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Chesed Committee of Temple Beth El, PO Box 727 East Petersburg, PA 17520-727, or to Hospice & Community Care, P O Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604.

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Condolences to the Family

April 06, 2023

I am sorry for your loss. Gary and I were housemates one year at UT. He turned me on to Bruce Springsteen, for which I am in his debt. He was a good friend.

September 12, 2021

Dear Linda,
We are deeply saddened to hear about Gary’s passing. Condolences to you, your girls, their husbands, and your grandchildren. You are in our hearts and minds now and forever and ever.
Love, Marilyn and Jim

September 07, 2021

Thinking of you & your family. I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences to you. 
Tonya Haus

September 07, 2021

Dear Linda and family,
I was sorry to see that Gary passed away.  Gary was one of our favorite customers at the store.  We loved talking to him.  Not sure if you know, but Mark’s own journey with cancer ended this year on April 11.  So I know a bit about what you are going through right now.  Take it one day at a time.
Peace and Love,  Marianne Sheely

September 06, 2021

Gary will be missed by the Temple Beth El community. He was a pillar of our Temple, his presence will be missed as we embark on our holiday season. For now and for always. Our thoughts and prayers and wishes for comfort are with Linda and the girls and the whole family. The Sherman’s

September 06, 2021

Linda and family, Nan and I were sad to hear of Gary’s passing. We hope and pray that he is in a better place now free of pain and anguish. We wish you and your family the strength and courage to move forward after losing a pillar of your family. 

September 06, 2021

My most sincere condolences to Linda and her daughters and grandchildren. May the beloved memories help you through this time. 

September 06, 2021

Linda~Please accept my most heart felt sympathy. 

September 06, 2021

Linda and family–  I always enjoyed caring for Gary, and I sensed that he was a loving husband and father, and a really good person.  You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Dr. Tom Renz

September 06, 2021

My deepest sympathies to Linda and the entire Kogan Family.  My heart is breaking after hearing of the loss of Gary.  May you find comfort during this difficult time.  You and Your Family are in my prayers 😘🙏🏻😇🥲

September 05, 2021

To Linda and the Kogon Family,
Deepest condolences on Gary’s passing.  I am so very sorry for your loss.  Gary was a very well respected and admired individual.  May he rest in peace.  Deepest condolences.

September 05, 2021

it’s been an honor and a pleasure to have known and interacted with Gary over nearly the last 30 years. His passing leaves a void in the Auntie Anne’s family that will never be filled. God Bless you my friend. 

Services
Sunday, September 05, 2021
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Temple Beth El
1836 Rohrestown Rd.
Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17601
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