“Brogie” created sartorial excellence for so many in Johnstown and elsewhere

Jerry “Brogie” Brogden, RIP

As a young teacher, I first heard about this great place to buy suits back in the 1970s when I asked a person had purchased a particularly attractive one.

That was when I learned about a store named Brogie’s in Dale, outside of Johnstown. And met Jerry Brogden, whom I forever knew as “Jerry” or “Brogie”

In reality, I still have suits that I purchased from Jerry over the years. Since I retired, I had no more use for wearing suits other than for special occasions. However, I learned from my father that teachers should dress in a professional manner, and I may have taken it to extremes once I started shopping at Brogie’s.

I think that I bought suits and other accoutrements — beautiful ties and shirts and sports coats — for about 37 years. Not exactly sure, but they were always classy and ones that he traveled to New York to buy.

Jerry worked long and hard to build a business. He told me about why he moved his business from Altoona to Johnstown, making it simple, “I just could not make a living in Altoona.”

He worked long hours for years, drove from Altoona to Johnstown. He had a personality that was infectious, treating every customer in a personal way. When I walked in the door, he immediately told me that I had to look at a particular suit. He knew exactly what I would like, and he was most often right.

Wearing one of Jerry's suits that still look pretty good

He operated his store in Johnstown for 40 years.

Then he would talk about his greatest love: His family. His daughters were cheerleaders at St. Therese’s grade school, and he visited our Lilly Grade School tournament for its cheerleading competition. He just loved his children, and of course, his dedicated wife, Beverly.

Jerry passed away in February at the age of 82. He is survived by his wife, daughters Christine Gates, Barbara Yon, Debra Haver, and son Andy. They were grandparents of ten children.

Jerry is one of those people you never forget. Rest In Peace, my old friend.