The Diocese of Broken Bay is in mourning once again following the death of Fr Robert (Bob) Brogan, who passed away on Thursday evening.
Fr Bob served the Church as a priest for 66 years, in the Archdiocese of Sydney and the Diocese of Broken Bay. He is most fondly remembered for his 19 years of service as Parish Priest of the Entrance, up until his retirement in 1999.
In 2025, he was awarded the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice, awarded to clergy or laity for distinguished and prolonged service to the Church, following his 65th anniversary of ordination.
Following his retirement in 1999, he had retired to Cabramatta, where he served the local parish for many years.
Fr Bob’s death is the second in the presbyterate in the past two weeks, following the death of Fr Harry Kennedy last week.
Fr Brogan was born to Annie Veronica (née Rice) and John Brogan at Fassifern NSW in the parish of Lake Macquarie on 26 June 1931 and was educated at the Marist Brothers’ High School in Hamilton.
Fr Brogan’s priestly formation began at St Columba's College, Springwood, and was completed at St Patrick’s College, Manly, upon which he was ordained by Cardinal Norman Gilroy on 16 July 1960 for the Archdiocese of Sydney.
He then served as Assistant Priest for a variety of city and suburban parishes including Flemington, Auburn, Erskineville, Marayong, Stanmore and St Mary’s Cathedral, where he ministered for 5 years. Fr Brogan culminated his ministry on the Central Coast, serving as Administrator at Woy Woy, followed by a 19-year appointment as Parish Priest at The Entrance, during which he was incardinated into the Diocese of Broken Bay, on 24 January 1996.
Alongside his priestly appointments, he also held the role of Secretary for the Catholic Church Trust from 1967 to 1981, as well as being a member of the Council of Priests from 1993 until his retirement from active ministry on 1 April 1999.
During his retirement he resided in Cabramatta for many years, where he continued to serve as a beloved member of the community.
On 16 July 2025, Fr Bob celebrated his 65th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood, at which time he also received the pontifical recognition, Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice.
Funeral arrangements for Fr Bob are yet to be announced.
Eternal rest grant unto Fr Bob, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace, and may his soul and all the souls of the Faithful Departed rest in peace. Amen.
Requiescat in pace
