Cornelius Hogan

PLAINFIELD - Cornelius “Con” Hogan died suddenly but peacefully at his home on Sunday morning, August 26, 2018, with his wife of 53 years, Jeannette, at his side. He was born and raised in Burlington, New Jersey as the oldest of three brothers. Con went on to Rutgers University for undergraduate work and later received his MGA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

His career spanned many areas of government, starting as a correction officer in New Jersey in 1965. Con climbed the ranks in the NJ corrections department, and was able to move to Vermont with his young family in 1972 to take the position of Deputy Commissioner of Corrections. He later became Commissioner of that department. During his time as Commissioner his proudest memory was the closing of the Windsor Prison.

Con also served as the Secretary of the Agency of Human Services for the state of Vermont for nine years. Appointed at first by Governor Richard Snelling, he continued in that position under Governor Howard Dean until his retirement in 1999. After his retirement he began a consulting business that took an international tract when he helped many other countries think about positive outcomes for the benefit of children, one of his favorite themes.

His final stint in government service was six years on the Green Mountain Care Board. Appointed to this position by Governor Peter Shumlin at its inception, he was given the longest term available. Con fully retired from this position in October 2017 and enjoyed his retirement.

Beyond his government service, Con had many loves. Mainly his family. His daughter, Ruth (now Poulsen), and her husband, Bo, have taken over the business of East Hill Farm, an equestrian stable, that he, his wife, and business partners, Kathie and Bill Moulton started in 1976.   He also has a son, Cornelius, III (aka Neil) and his wife, Rebecca, who have given him a huge love of two wonderful granddaughters, Ashlyn and Olivia.

Along with family, horses, basketball, and life, Con also had a love of bluegrass music and has played as the banjo player with Cold Country Bluegrass for many years.

There will be a celebration of Con’s life at Alumni Hall at the Vermont College of Fine Arts (VCFA) Campus, 36 College Street, Montpelier, on Wednesday, September 12, 2018 from 5:30p.m. to 7:30 p.m. All friends and colleagues are invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, his family would like anyone who wishes to give a donation to The Permanent Fund for Vermont’s Children, 3 Court Street, Middlebury, VT 05753.