Roger Bogdan Obituary

PLAINVILLE

Roger Bogdan, 81, of Plainville, a longtime veteran of the Farmington Police Force and the Vietnam War, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Tuesday, July 1, 2025.

Bogdan was born on June 21, 1944, to Sophie and Lucian Bogdan. He was raised in New Britain, Connecticut, where he grew up in an industrial class neighborhood. He was a graduate of Pulaski High School, Class of 1963, attended McAllister Institute of Funeral Service and graduated from Northwestern Community College, Class of 1975.

Bogdan was best known for putting his life on the line to protect his brothers-in-arms, his family, his community, and his country. He fought during the Vietnam War as a Specialist in the U.S. Army's First 12th Calvary Airborne Brigade, which pioneered the use of helicopters for rapid troop deployment, resupply, and evacuation. The division, and Bogdan, were instrumental in bringing the fight to the enemy with speed and agility.

Back at home, Bogdan was considered a hero by many in our local community as a longtime veteran of the Farmington Police force. In October 1980, he was shot in the line of duty after fighting an armed assailant while responding to a burglary call. He was awarded a medal of honor for saving his partner's life. Despite this and several other injuries, he continued to protect and serve. He remained a beloved beat officer in his community despite his permanent injuries, giving a total of nearly 40 years of service to the community.

Upon retirement, Bogdan did not stop giving. He kept very active as a volunteer, serving in various roles at VFW Post #574 in Plainville. In time, he was elected Post Commander for two terms. In his final years, he could often be found selling tickets for VFW's Bingo fundraising events held at their event hall, greeting friends and strangers alike with his one-of-a-kind humor and wit. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 33 and the PBA-Farmington Police Department.

He also served veterans terms at the state level as VFW Connecticut's Surgeon, who chairs the state organization's Health Committee.

Throughout his life, Bogdan put duty and country before himself; and the community often recognized this, whether it was by anonymously paying for his lunches at the local diners or directly thanking him for his service.

An avid fisherman, he cherished countless outings with family and friends. He also enjoyed participating in local turkey shoots.

Bogdan is survived by his former wife and friend, Julia; his sister, Lucia; his children, Phillip and Marilyn; his children-in-law, Don and K.C.; his stepson Eric Anderson and his wife Maegan, his nieces, Katherine and Heather, and their spouses and children, his best friend, Keith Zengel and all his brothers and sisters at the VFW and Farmington Police Department . He was predeceased by his brother, Lucian Bogdan.

Friends may call at The Ahern Funeral Home, 111 Main St., Rt. 4, Unionville on Monday, July 7, 2025, from 4:00-8:00 p.m.. Funeral procession from The Ahern Funeral Home will be Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at 9:45 a.m. followed by the Funeral Liturgy in Our Lady of Knock Parish (Church of St. Patrick), Farmington at 10:30am. Burial with full military honors will be in Riverside Cemetery, Farmington. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306. To send online condolences to the family, please visit, www.ahernfuneralhome.com.

Roger Bogdan