Ralph R. Hogan

Rev. Ralph R. Hogan, 89, Pastor Emeritus of St. Thomas More Church, Narragansett died Wednesday at the Landmark Medical Center.            
 Born in Providence, he was the son of the late James B. and Helen G. (McElroy) Hogan.
 Father Hogan graduated from Our Lady of Providence Seminary in 1946 and was the first student to enter and graduate.  He received his Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Sacred Theology Degrees from St. Mary Seminary in Baltimore, MD, returning to Our Lady of Providence in 1951 as a Deacon Prefect.
 He was ordained to the priesthood on June 7, 1952 at the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul by Bishop Russell J. McVinney. Fr. Hogan celebrated his first Solemn Mass at St. Michael Church on June 15, 1952.  From 1952 to 1961, he served as part-time assistant pastor at St. John's Church in Providence. He then served as assistant pastor at St. Thomas Church in Providence from 1961 to 1970 and Blessed Sacrament Church from 1970 to 1972. In 1972, Father Hogan was named pastor of St. Thomas More Church in Narragansett where he served until his retirement as pastor emeritus in 1997.
 Father Hogan was a member of the LaSalle Academy faculty for 18 years teaching Latin, English and Religion.  He was the school chaplain and moderator for the vocations club for many years. From 1972 to 1984, he was the treasurer and a board member of the Msgr. Matthew F. Clarke Regional School in Wakefield and was a former board member of the Citizens Advisory Committee of the Narragansett School System. Fr. Hogan was also a past president of the Catholic Teacher's Institute.
 Among his many assignments, Father Hogan was the chaplain for the Providence County Ancient Order of Hibernians and their Ladies Auxiliary, Director of Vocations in the High Schools, Chaplain of the Friendship Circle Daughters of Isabella and Episcopal Vicar of Deanery 8. After retirement from parish administration, Fr. Hogan resided in Narragansett assisting various parishes. More recently, he resided at St. John Vianney residence, Providence.
 He leaves a brother, Paul F. Hogan and his wife Susan of Plainfield, Conn. and several nephews and nieces. He was the brother of the late Phyllis B. Bilodeau.
 A concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial for the repose of father's soul was held Tuesday at 10 a.m. in Saint Thomas Church, 65 Fruit Hill Avenue, Providence. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Rev. Ralph R. Hogan Endowment Fund for Tuition C/O Catholic Foundation of RI, One Cathedral Square Providence, RI 02903. Burial will be in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. Condolences please visit www.trainorfh.com.