Kenneth Bogdan

Wynantskill - Kenneth Gerard Bogdan, 77, passed away on Thursday, July 11, 2024 at Albany Medical Center. 

Born in Buffalo on May 23rd, 1947, he was the son of the late Anthony Bogdan and Florence Jastrzemski Bogdan and the loving husband to Susan Brennan Bogdan.  

Ken earned a Ph.D. from the University at Albany in Biology and Ecology. He went on to work at the New York State Department of Health as a Chemical Risk Assessor for 37 years, where he was known for his dedication and sense of humor. His career choice suited his curious nature - he was a lifelong learner who was constantly broadening his horizons and improving himself as a citizen of the world. In his spare time, he helped others do the same thing by volunteering at the library. Ken was also a natural teacher who was always sharing his knowledge and passions with those around him. Ken loved sports, and coached children in t-ball and baseball. He also knew the value of a dollar, always sniffing out the best deal, and passed this knowledge on to his children. 

Being a true son of Buffalo, Ken loved chicken wings, as well as the traditional Polish foods that connected him with his cultural roots. He shared this appreciation for delicious food with his family, but on occasion his appetite got the better of him, as he was known to steal food right off of your plate.

Ken was a caring person and especially loved tending his garden and lovingly complaining about his adored cats, Rita and Vinnie the Fluke. He loved sharing photos of his pets and they loved harassing him while he was trying to sleep. 

He was a great listener, and was always ready to pepper a conversation with a sharp-witted quip or a well-timed, understated comment that always got a laugh (even if it was just his own). He was an astute and genuine person who was always willing to give you his opinion - whether or not you were ready for it. Often, one only needed to look at his face to receive that opinion loud and clear, from his trademark smirk to his warm smile. In some cases, all you got was a big sigh, and you usually deserved it.

Ken loved classical music, history, and was a movie buff who was developing a taste for foreign films at the time of his passing - a perfect example of his continuous quest for more knowledge and perspective. He recently began experimenting with art in different mediums and was especially proud of his 8-foot tall giraffe-trellis made of “branches, trunks, and frayed macrame plant holders.” He was also a great writer, both in his professional and personal life, sending many letters to the editor of the Times Union and “Sounding Off” to the Troy Record. Ken’s emails (his preferred communication method), were filled with details, humor, love, and the occasional dig, and sometimes closed with  “‘nuff said.”

Ken thrived in the outdoors where he camped, hiked, and fished with his family. You could often find him chopping wood for a fire or putting up a hammock and reading the paper. 

He was so proud of his kids, saving every birthday card, art project, and trophy, and always helped them do their best. However, he would never let them win. He gleefully beat his daughter in cornhole a week before his passing. 

Ken was a humblebragger at heart, and now we can humblebrag that we had the chance to know and love him, and be loved by him. Ken was an excellent gift-giver, but his presence in our lives was the ultimate gift.

In addition to his wife Susan, he is survived by his children Sasha (Will) McGuire of Troy, Eric (Kara) Bogdan of East Greenbush, and Sarah Bogdan of New York City, his grandchildren Hunter Bogdan and Isabella Bogdan, his brother David (Janet) Bogdan, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited and may call from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday July 18, 2024 at the Wynantskill Funeral Home 294 Whiteview Road, Wynantskill. Funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Friday July 19, 2024 at the St. Jude the Apostle Church, 43 Brookside Avenue, Wynantskill. Please visit www.wynantskillfh.com.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society (www.mohawkhumane.org).

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