Obituary of Michael Peter Rogowski

Michael P. Rogowski, 74, a resident of Ballston Spa, passed away at home on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, after a long and valiant struggle with his illness. He was born, October 11,1948 and raised in Cohoes, the third born of Petty Officer John Rogowski Jr. and Anita Gallipeo Rogowski. He is survived by his wife Betty Jo, his children Tanya and Michael John of Mississippi, a stepson Brian Alburger of Ballston Spa and four grandchildren, Stephanie Davis (Jacob), Emily Mainville, John Mainville Jr., and Jordan Alburger (Kalyn); and two great grandchildren, Alayna, and Austin.

He attended St. Marie’s Elementary School in Cohoes, LaSalette Seminary in Cheshire, CT, Keveny Memorial Academy in Cohoes, Hudson Valley Community College, and SUNY Oswego. He was a Vietnam Veteran with service in the U.S. Army in both Vietnam and Okinawa. He ran Union Auto Service in Nassau, NY for many years specializing in Volkswagen repairs before beginning his career as a teacher of Auto Mechanics and Driver Ed at the Abrookin Career and Technical Education Center in the Albany City School District until his retirement. He specialized in teaching the life lessons necessary for success in everyday life. It was known to many that his thoughtfulness, caring and compassion greatly impacted the many students who passed through his classrooms. He was an avid fisherman and boater especially on the Great Sacandaga Lake. He was also a skilled nature photographer using Adirondack vistas which he found while snowmobiling in the North Country. He is also survived by his

 older brother Stephen (Jeannette) of Cohoes, brother Leo and sister Alice Benamati (David) of Cohoes. He was predeceased by his brothers Stanley of Derry, PA, and Joel Thomas of Cohoes. He is also survived by many cousins and numerous nieces and nephews. They could always count on a helping hand as Mike went out of his way to help with any project or problem.

            A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, July 20, 2023, at 10:30am at The Church of The Holy Trinity on Vliet Street in Cohoes followed by burial with military honors at Gerald B. H Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville, NY. Funeral arrangements by Dufresne Funeral Home on Columbia Street in Cohoes.