Gust Zogas

With great sadness we announce the passing of Dr. Gust Zogas, age 93, on August 25th, 2024. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Doris (PasYotis) on the same day eight years prior. They were fortunate to share 60 wonderful years together. Born in Reading, PA to Greek immigrants, Harry and Maria (Kypriotis) Zogas, Gust grew up in a small row home in Northeast Reading. After graduating from Reading High School he served in the U.S. Army in the Korean War. Upon his return home, he met and married Doris and started his higher education journey. Although self-described as not book smart, he obtained a PhD in Education. He frequently advised his children and grandchildren that hard work leads to success. He was very proud they all went on to pursue college degrees.
Gust wore many hats in the field of education: Geography teacher, Guidance counselor, Vice Principal, Director of Night School at Reading Area School District, Dean of Students and most notably, President for 17 years at Reading Area Community College, restructuring and growing the college immensely. After retirement, he obtained the title of President Emeritus, and joined the foundation for RACC serving as Executive Director. In 2023, he was awarded the distinguished Rolf D. Schmidt Honorary Director award. He came out of retirement to serve as Executive Director of the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, an organization he was passionate about. He cared deeply about his home town and served on various boards throughout his career.
Gust was active in his church, Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Reading, PA. He served on the board for a time, and volunteered for many years at the annual Church Food Bazaar.
Gust and Doris were world travelers, instilling the love for adventure in their children and grandchildren. However, their true love was the sun and sand of Stone Harbor, NJ and Sanibel, FL, where most of their time was spent. Many fond memories were created hosting family and friends. He was proud to share what he had with those he loved. He immensely enjoyed when family and friends would come by for a glass of wine and conversation.
Although a dedicated educator, administrator, visionary and friend, "Dad" and "Popou" are the two titles for which he will be most remembered. He is survived by his children, son Thomas, husband of Linda (Sweger) Zogas, Lower Heidelberg Township, daughter Chrissada, wife of Kevin Caruso, Wyomissing, and daughter Elaynee, wife of Blaise Polentes, Bethlehem. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Elise, Chloe, Alexander, Brian, Jack and Natasha, who will miss him very much. Also surviving are his brother Christ, widower of Irene (Maronic), Roanoke, VA, and Theodore, husband of Sylvia (Zielinski), Reading. He was predeceased by his brother Peter, and sister-in-law Clarise (Crocona) Zogas. Gust also was predeceased by his half-sisters Effie (Pasko) Stevens and Elizabeth (Pasko) Rogers.
Services will take place on Friday, August 30, 2024 at in Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 1001 E. Wyomissing Blvd., Reading PA 19611. Viewing 10am, Funeral Service 11am.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Reading Area Community College Foundation or the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts. RACC: https://form.jotform.com/63195864544163 Click on the "Other" Box and specify either the "Zogas RHS to RACC Scholarship" or "The Gust & Doris Zogas Education Scholarship" A gift can be sent through the mail to – Foundation for RACC, Reading Area Community College 10 South 2nd Street, Box 1706, Reading, PA 19603 GoggleWorks Center for the Arts https://goggleworks.org/support/donate/ Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc. West Reading is honored to assist the Zogas family. Condolences may be expressed at www.kuhnfuneralhomes.com.