POGO
Donation protected
Richard S. Pogonelski, 36, of Hamden, passed away unexpectedly on March 18, 2019.
Rich was an avid golfer and enjoyed his work as a golf pro for many years in Charleston, SC and at Woodbridge Country Club. From an early age, Rich was immersed in Hamden Youth Hockey, where he developed a lifelong love of the sport. He played all through his youth, including at Hamden High School, where he chosen as Division I Player of the Year in 2000 and named to the All SCC, All Area, and All State teams. He continued after high school, playing for the Gunnery Prep School in Washington, CT, Junior Hockey in Albany, NY, and briefly for Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, CT. Most recently, Rich worked for Donohue Hockey Skills Program where he mentored young players and helped them achieve their goals. His passion for the sport shined through when he was on the ice coaching children of all ages. Hockey was more than just a game to Rich, it was about sportsmanship, teamwork, and working hard; qualities that he instilled in in all of the children that he coached. Rich was not only a coach but he was a continuous support, never missing a playoff or championship game of any of the players he coached no matter how early or far away the game may be.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Rich's memory may be made to the Rich Pogonelski Scholarship Fund, c/o Atty. Christopher M. McKeon, 900 Chapel St. 11th Floor, New Haven, CT 06510. The Rich Pogonelski Scholarship Fund or via this Go Fund Me page.
Rich was an avid golfer and enjoyed his work as a golf pro for many years in Charleston, SC and at Woodbridge Country Club. From an early age, Rich was immersed in Hamden Youth Hockey, where he developed a lifelong love of the sport. He played all through his youth, including at Hamden High School, where he chosen as Division I Player of the Year in 2000 and named to the All SCC, All Area, and All State teams. He continued after high school, playing for the Gunnery Prep School in Washington, CT, Junior Hockey in Albany, NY, and briefly for Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, CT. Most recently, Rich worked for Donohue Hockey Skills Program where he mentored young players and helped them achieve their goals. His passion for the sport shined through when he was on the ice coaching children of all ages. Hockey was more than just a game to Rich, it was about sportsmanship, teamwork, and working hard; qualities that he instilled in in all of the children that he coached. Rich was not only a coach but he was a continuous support, never missing a playoff or championship game of any of the players he coached no matter how early or far away the game may be.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Rich's memory may be made to the Rich Pogonelski Scholarship Fund, c/o Atty. Christopher M. McKeon, 900 Chapel St. 11th Floor, New Haven, CT 06510. The Rich Pogonelski Scholarship Fund or via this Go Fund Me page.
Organizer
Sean Donohue
Organizer
Hamden, CT