Robert John Dorgan, 87, of 105 Nancy Ave., Pittsfield passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday January 22, 2017.
Born in the farming community of Cullison, Kansas on October 26, 1929, he was the son of the late John R. and Mary Probst Dorgan. Robert was educated in Cullison schools and was Salutatorian of his high school class. He went on to receive an engineering degree with honors from Kansas State University. Mr. Dorgan was a veteran of the Korean conflict, working in analysis of aerial reconnaissance operations.
Robert was employed for many years as an engineer for General Electric, previously he worked for John Deere. At GE he played a central role in the development of the hydromechanical transmission for the Army's Bradley Fighting Vehicle. He is a named inventor on five issued US Patents and the sole inventor on two; of the 335 subsequent issued patents which cite these works, 268 build upon his two sole inventions. Robert was a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) for more than 60 years. He was an avid antique automobile aficionado and owned a 1931 Ford Model A for many years along with two antique John Deere tractors. However, his greatest joy was spending time with his family; especially his children and grandchildren.
Robert is survived by his wife of sixty years; the former Rita Marie Krieg; his daughter; Kathleen A. Dorgan and her husband Edward Kurz of Storrs, CT, his sons; Michael H. Dorgan and his wife Kin Chow of Allston, MA; and John R. Dorgan and his wife Laura Hollingsworth of Golden, CO; his six grandchildren; Eric M. Kurz of Waltham, MA, Alexandria Y. Dorgan of West Hartford, CT, Lance Y. Dorgan of Boston, MA, Grace M. Dorgan of Golden, CO, Sam Y. Dorgan of Allston, MA and Willa Z. Dorgan of Golden, CO, his four brothers; Jim Dorgan of Pratt, Kansas, Don Dorgan of Pratt, Kansas, Charles Dorgan and his wife Joan of Madison, Wisconsin, Larry Dorgan and his wife Mary-Jo of Creston, Iowa and many loved nieces and nephews.
Robert was predeceased by his son; Paul Dorgan, who passed away in 1988, and his brother; Raymond Dorgan.

Funeral Notice - Funeral services for Robert J. Dorgan, 87, of Pittsfield who died January 22, 2017 will be held Saturday January 28, 2017 at St. Mary Crescent Catholic Church, 86 Church Hill Rd, Waterford, NY 12188 at noon. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery. Calling hours will be held Friday evening from 4 to 7 p.m. at the DERY FUNERAL HOME, 54 BRADFORD ST., PITTSFIELD, MA, 01201. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Robert's memory can be made to The American Heart Association in care of the funeral home.

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