Michael Jearl Cogar

Michael (Jerry) Cogar, of Columbia Station, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, January 29, 2023, with his loving family around him.  Jerry was born in Buckhannon, West Virginia on June 10, 1947, to Clyde and Pauline (Gilles) Cogar.   On December 30, 1970, he married his best friend and love, Betty Jane (Aust), and together they celebrated 52 wonderful years of marriage.

Jerry had a 50-year career in chemical engineering and consulting. He began in 1969 as a supervisor (later, superintendent) at Harshaw Chemical Company in Cleveland. He went on to start and co-own Acitec, Inc. in North Royalton, then Cogar Consulting Group in Columbia Station.  He had to be talked into retiring, late 2019 due to ill health but was always proud of the prestigious companies he consulted for.

Jerry loved family gatherings, especially Sunday dinners with as much family as possible. He enjoyed being a father, taking the family on vacations and teaching Mary and Gabe everything he could, from financial responsibility to DIY home repairs and the proper care of fishing worms. Jerry liked to tell stories about his childhood in WV, raising pet raccoons, and Scout campouts. He loved dogs and always considered his most current dog (Mercy) to be the best.

Jerry loved his grandchildren without end, knowing they are the sweetest, brightest and best looking of grandchildren everywhere! He felt very fortunate to be a part of a large extended family. In addition to his wife Betty Jane, he is survived by his beloved children, Mary (Larry) Zale, Gabriel (Missy); cherished grandchildren, Grace, Norah and Collin Cogar; and loving sister Terri (Al) Keaton. He is also survived by in-laws, Gerry Aust, Mary Ann (Lowell) Davidson, and Jim (Barbara) Aust; nieces and nephews, Gerry (Sara), David (Alena), Debbie (Mark), Linda (Jamie), Jake (Lisa), Susan (Roni), Michael, Samantha (Katie) and Lindsey (Sean Munn); a host of great nieces and nephews; his aunts Belvia Hann, Sylvia Mollohan, Sue Chapman, Brenda (Tom) Swartz and Jeanette Gilles, and many cousins.  He was preceded in death by his parents Clyde and Pauline, and parents-in-law, Jacob and Mary Aust.

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL will be held FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 25801 Royalton Rd., Columbia Station, OH. Burial is immediately after at Columbia Township Cemetery on Royalton Road.   Condolences and special memories of Jerry can be shared with his family online at www.heritagecremationsociety.com

Heritage Cremation & Burial Society

(216) 631-4500