West Falmouth – Matthew J. Hogan, age 72, of West Falmouth, MA, formerly of Shrewsbury, MA, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Friday, August 25, 2023, after an inspiring four year battle with ALS.
Matt leaves his beloved wife, partner, and friend Laurie, who he shared the past 28 years with and who during the past four years was a dedicated, brave, and selfless caregiver for which Matt is eternally grateful; his four children: Michael and his wife Kelly of Arlington, MA, Thomas of Newton, MA, Megan Hogan-Stedman of Concord, MA, and Mary White and her husband Tim of Carlsbad, CA; his two stepchildren: Lisa Judkins and her husband Jim of Millbury, MA, and Paul Lindberg and his wife Junko of New York, NY; his four grandchildren: Vincent and Timothy Hogan, Estella White, and Quinlan Judkins. Matt also leaves behind his six sisters: Frances Hogan of Boston, MA, Margaret Hogan and her husband Dr. William (Tony) Rhodes of Hyannis, MA and Tuscon, AZ, Elizabeth Hogan of Orleans, MA, Paula Kerr of Wareham, Dorset, England, Mary Catherine Hogan and her husband Dr. Steven Libby of Stanwood, WA, and Audrey Hunter of Worcester, MA; many nieces, nephews, and god-children; and his former wife, Carol Hogan of Shrewsbury, MA.
Matt was born in Worcester, MA on December 5, 1950, the son of John and Catherine (Power) Hogan. He grew up in a family of educators and entrepreneurs, and Worcester is where his entrepreneurial endeavors began. He attended Burncoat Senior High School in Worcester, MA and went on to earn his BA in economics at the College of the Holy Cross.
After completing his undergraduate degree, Matt joined his father at Industrial Packaging (née Paper Trading Corporation). In 1973 while working full time, he began attending Boston University’s Graduate School of Management and earned his MBA in 1976. During this time, in 1975 Matt became vice-president of Industrial Packaging and was later appointed president of the company in 1985. Upon his father’s death in 1993, Matt purchased the company from his father’s estate. On May 1, 2023, Industrial Packaging celebrated its 70th anniversary; Matt was thrilled to be in attendance.
In addition to his position at Industrial Packaging, Matt was also a partner in Objective Management Group and Power Realty, LLC. Matt took great pride in the development and growth of his businesses and in the many quality relationships he curated and maintained through his work.
It was important for Matt to share his talents and to give back. Matt is a past president of Worcester Young Businessmen’s Association and a former member of the board of directors of the Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership. He served as an elected Shrewsbury Town Meeting member for 30 years. Matt co-chaired the Shrewsbury Public Library Fundraising Committee, which raised funds for the library expansion project. In 2017 Matt and his wife Laurie received the Harry S. Cutting Jr. Award for Community Service. Matt was also the longtime chairman of the board at The Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center in Worcester, MA. Most recently, Matt served as chairman of the board for ALS ONE, an organization founded by a friend and colleague with the goal of uniting research and care in order to expedite the discovery of treatments and enhance care for those afflicted with ALS.
Matt lived a very full life. In addition to his work, he enjoyed spending time with family and friends, traveling, and telling stories and jokes. Matt was a dedicated father, rarely missing a game or an event for his children. He was a member of Worcester Country Club (MA) for thirty years and had hoped to live to 130 so that he could finally shoot his age. During his time in Florida, Matt started playing pickleball (well before it was cool) and developed many special friendships, both in Florida and in Falmouth through the sport. Matt was legendary for sharing life lessons told through stories, witty jokes, and bringing laughter to all those around him. Matt’s legacy is one of hardwork, optimism, patience, and showing up for people; a legacy which will live on in all of those who felt blessed by his presence.
Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend visiting hours at the Chiampa Funeral Home, 5 Church Road, On the Common, Shrewsbury Center, on Tuesday, August 29th, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. His funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 30th at 11:00 a.m. in The First Congregational Church of Shrewsbury, 19 Church Road, Shrewsbury. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Matt’s honor may be made to ALS ONE (alsone.org).
