- 11144 Warwick Boulevard • Newport News, VA 23601
- Follow Us
Obituaries
Philip B. Bogert, Ph.D
Philip Brent Bogert, Ph.D. passed away at his Yorktown home on Monday, May 24 after a long illness.
Dr. Bogert was born in Park Ridge, NJ, and attended Lafayette College in Easton, PA, graduating with a B.S. in Civil Engineering. He received his M.S. degree in Structures from Columbia University in NY and an M.S. degree in Solid Mechanics at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. He earned a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering at North Carolina State University.
He began his work as a civil engineer in the nuclear power industry, but spent the bulk of his career, more than thirty years, as an aerospace engineer with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), developing, designing, and analyzing structures for the aerospace industry and managing aerospace research projects. He especially enjoyed mentoring others new to the aerospace field. He retired in 2018.
Dr. Bogert was many things to many people, but he would identify himself first and foremost as a follower of Jesus Christ. Family and friends knew him as one who lived his faith every day, would help anyone in need, and always strove to see the very best in people.
Dr. Bogert loved and appreciated nature and found many opportunities to enjoy it as a lifelong athlete, runner, bird-watcher, avid and skilled golfer, marksman, hunter, and all-around outdoorsman. He played in – and placed in – many local golf tournaments, ran marathons, and particularly enjoyed coaching his son and others on the Summit Christian Academy golf team years ago. He loved and had a gift for sharing his hobbies and enthusiastically introduced them to many others.
He was also a beloved husband to his wife of 43 years, Mary Ellen (nee Rowe) and a devoted father to Brent of Hampton, VA, Andrew of Los Angeles, CA, and Daniel of Richmond, VA, as well as a loving grandfather to Austin, Angelina, and Kaya.
In addition to Mary Ellen, his children, and grandchildren, Dr. Bogert is survived by his brother Paul (Renee) Bogert, his Aunt Sis; several sisters/brothers-in-law: Elizabeth Rowe and Patricia Weinschenker, Madeleine and Richard MacDonald, Anita and Robert Kallen, and Thomas Rowe; as well as many devoted cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Alwin and Mary Bogert, his father/mother-in-law, Thomas, and Marie Rowe, sister-in-law Laurette Rowe, brother-in-law, Greg Weinschenker, and several beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.
The family will receive visitors on Friday, May 28 at 1:00 p.m., immediately preceding the funeral at 2:00 p.m., at Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd, Newport News 23601 to be followed by interment at Hampton Memorial Gardens, 155 Butler Farm Road, Hampton, VA. The funeral service will be live-streamed via Peninsula Funeral Home website (https://peninsulafuneralhome.
Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home.
20 Comments
Nice job on the obituary.
I’m so sad, I remember Phil as such a great person…he was among the best of the PRHS class of 1971. He loved and lived his faith, was always positive…always modest. At the same time so much more than the Class of 1971 (50 years) and moved on in life to greatness in career. He set examples for all to follow and I only hope his children learned from their dad…first of all how to play beer pong (he was good at it), getting along with others (he was great at that) and reaching forward to make the future better.
Heaven is above us and Phil has been reaching for it both at NASA and in the Bible.
I remember him so fondly….PAL HANDSHAKE, FLOSO….god bless you Phil….we are all better for him being here.
Hi Paul, thanks for your beautiful tribute to Phil. We were married 43 years and yet I had no idea about his beer pong skills!
So sad to learn my classmate has passed at too young an age, but so so glad to know he is with Jesus and I will see him again. Praying for his family.
Thanks Roberta 💗
Dr. Phil was a great friend. We will miss him. I will never forget him taking some of us to the driving range to hit some golf balls. I will never forget going to the Lafayette gun club as his guest. He was a good man, full of compassion even when he was in great pain. I believe he will be greatly rewarded in heaven.
I’m very sorry for your loss. I was a teammate of Phil in high-school. He was 2 years ahead of me but made me feel welcome on the teams. I enjoyed his company and admired his leadership and spirit. May he R.I.P.
So sorry to hear that Phil is no longer physically with us. He was truly a humble man, I was personally inspired by his unwavering faith. He was incredibly generous and committed to God’s work worldwide. Grateful for the opportunity to know him. Praying for his family at this time. Looking forward to seeing him again in heaven.
Phil was a great colleague of mine at NASA Langley for many years. He was very enthusiastic about finding innovative engineering solutions and exploring the latest aerospace technologies. He was easy to talk to and supportive of others. I am very sorry he left so early. I will miss him.
We know Phil through the Rowe family. When my husband received his diagnosis, Phil generously offered and provided advice and support even though he didn’t know us very well. He struck us as an exceptionally good and wise human being. Our prayers are with Mary Ellen, his children, and all those who love him. May the promises of Christ bring hope and peace to his grieving family.
Rest In Peace Phil! The Clark Family is praying for peace and comfort for his extended family!
I had a very memorable conversation with him at our High School reunion!
Our deepest condolences to you and yours Maryellen from Leslie and Rebecca Samuels. You, Phil, your family our God’s treasured possessions and we praise His Mighty Name for you all! What an impact Phil has had on this world! And now he hears, “ well done good and faithful servant!” Maryellen, you have been a sweet best friend and sister to my sweet and best friend sister Debbie; I thank you so much for that. I know our Father is protecting you and yours. I praise God that Phil is with Him this very minute; now and forever. And I look forward to dancing in heaven together with you all. Much love and sweet Shalom sister.
Very sad to hear of Phil’s passing. He was a kind, compassionate soul, a colleague who always made me feel welcome from my very first days in the branch. Talking with him always would always brighten my day. My deepest condolences to the family.
Psalm 16:11
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Our heartfelt condolences to all who grieve. It is a blessing to have known this remarkable man of God. Phil and Maryellen always lived their faith, and for certain, our family was a recipient of their compassion, kindness and generosity many times. Maryellen, you will remain in our prayers. Phil, we will keep you in fond remembrance until we meet again in glory.
Phil once sent us a song when we needed encouragement, so we thought it appropriate to leave this song now. God is Faithful!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_lrrq_opng
May the family find peace of mind, heart and spirit during this season of grief. Revel in his life as Phil would have lived. Always a kind word to share, an attentive ear to listen and the wisdom to pass sage advice at the right moment.
He will be sorely missed as a friend, father and husband to all who had the privilege to share his company. Fair winds and following seas Phil.
CDR(Ret). Ray Parham
I could not have wished for a better dad than Philip Brent Bogert. By far the smartest man I’ve ever met (a literal rocket scientist) with an illustrious career with NASA. It amazes me how he accomplished so much, and touched so many lives along the way, but still always found time for his family. No matter how busy he may have been at work or in his impressive higher educational pursuits, he always found time to throw a baseball with me after work, or help me with my homework, whether, a 7 year old learning the basics of math, or as a twenty something year old taking college calculus, he would take the time to explain how to throw a knuckleball (and he had a mean one), or what the heck a calculus derivative was. He made himself just as available to his beloved grandkids, my children. Attending every sports game, helping them with their homework, or taking them on vacations, camping, fishing, go karting, even to Disney World; giving them the wholesome childhood experiences and memories that meant so much to me.
He had such a big heart. When I felt overwhelmed at times, he could calmly and rationally put things into perspective and put me at peace better than anyone else ever could.
He gave so much love to his family or any human he came across that needed it. And gave so generously to support those less fortunate. He truly was the best person I’ve ever known.
Thanks to everyone who has made the lovely comments about how my father impacted their lives. And thank you to all who have called and texted their love and support to myself and the rest of my family, and all those who were able to make it to the service today. It has meant so much to my family and I.
I love you Dad.
Phil, It is shocking and heartbreaking to know that you left us suddenly. We texted each other regularly, and I got worried when you did not reply to my message a few weeks back. So, I called and your wife lifted saying………
I came here to celebrate your life: my dear friend Phil and to say a final Goodbye. I remember the discussions on your challenging thesis dissertation from the days you worked as my research student to the recent conversations. You always showed concern about other people and always willing to help.
I have enjoyed talking to you about golf, hunting, and guns. Whenever I visited Langley, I always wanted to stop by your office. Phil, I am going to miss you so so much! Your genuine heart is always in my memory. You are in a better place! Phil
We remember Phil, as a good friend though we just meet him only for a while, He and his wife Mary Ellen brought us to the bowling ally and he teach me. We enjoyed spend time with them though I can see the pain that Phil had because of his sickness, he tried not to show it, to make us comfortable and not to worry about him… Now he is in a joyful place with CHRIST our SAVIOUR with no pain and sicknesses to endures…
I am saddened to hear of Phil’s passing. Reading his obituary and kind words from so many brought me great joy, however. You see, Phil and I met at a CCD dance a LOT of years ago. Maybe we were 16? We had a fun night with a lot of friends from our different high schools. Phil ended up calling me and asking me out. I think it was the first date for both of us. Two shy, awkward kids. My mother thought she would be funny and black out her teeth and answer the door. I was HORRIFIED! But Phil didn’t notice! I think he was more nervous than I was. I am not surprised that he became a PhD. Such a smart kid. Nor am I surprised to read all the wonderful things people had to say about him. Even back then Phil was kind and gentle, always a shy smile on his face, but he was also quite serious. I vividly remember him showing me how to use a “stick on the shift!” His car was old and big. I was happy to hear that Phil had married and had beautiful children and grandchildren. His career was amazing. To his loving wife, family and close friends, hold the wonderful memories close to your hearts and cherish them. He will live in your hearts forever.
Thanks for sharing your memories of Phil, and for your kind words.