Jerry Albert Cogan, Jr.

Jerry Albert Cogan, Jr. passed away on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at the age of 91.

Although he was born and grew up in New York City, Jerry considered Spartanburg his home. A graduate of Amherst College and MIT where he received his master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, he came to work for Milliken and Company in 1961. He spent a busy and enjoyable career with the Company, including 36 years as the president of Milliken Research, until his retirement in 1999.

Jerry was an active member of the Episcopal Church of the Advent. He served as a trustee of Wofford College where he received an honorary Doctor of Science degree in 2025, and was a volunteer for many nonprofit organizations in the community.

He is survived by his wife, Sally Josephine, his sunshine and beloved sweetheart forever, and her daughters, Coley and Olivia (John); his daughter, Jennifer Arsenault (Michael) and their daughters, Haley Janousek (Beau) and Brigette; son, Christopher Cogan (Myung); his great-grandson, Julian Michael Janousek; his sister, Jane Upton, and her family; and his sister Jackie Smith, and her family. He loved all his family and they loved him.

He was predeceased by his parents, Jerry and Genevieve Engel Cogan, and son, Jeffrey.

A memorial service will be 3:00 PM on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at the Episcopal Church of the Advent, 141 Advent Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302.

In memory of Jerry, contributions may be made to the Episcopal Church of the Advent, the Adult Learning Center, or to the charity of your choice.