G. Brian Dugan

G. Brian Dugan of Bluffton, S.C. passed away on July 10th after a long illness.  He was 82 years old and is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Catherine (Feehan), their daughter Mary Elizabeth Dugan, currently residing in Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia, their son G. Brian Dugan, Jr., daughter-in-law Camille and grandson Ian, of Kohala, Hawaii.  Additionally, Brian is survived by his son James J. Dugan, partner Salwa, and grandson George of Portland, Oregon, as well as his sister-in-law, Elizabeth A. Feehan and his brother-in-law, Timothy G. Feehan.  He was preceded in death by his parents George and Josephine (Rearick) Dugan of Hillsdale, New Jersey.

Brian was born in Brooklyn, New York and spent his early years there before the family moved to Hillsdale, New Jersey.  He graduated from Blair Academy in Blairstown, New Jersey, then from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service in 1963 with a major in International Affairs.  He worked as a reporter for The Record in New Jersey and Rockland County, New York for several years, covering a wide range of news.  He later earned a Master of Business Administration with a major in finance from St. John’s University.

Following his work with The Record, he entered the public relations field and worked for several large international corporations specializing in media relations.  Brian then later returned to newspaper work as a Copy Editor for The Star Ledger in Newark, New Jersey.

Always interested in literacy and education, Brian joined the Bridgewater-Raritan School District in New Jersey after his retirement, where he managed the high school’s Writing Center, designed to assist students in improving their writing skills.

Brian and Cathy enjoyed traveling, especially when they had the opportunity to visit two of their children who were serving as Peace Corps Volunteers in Morocco and Russia.  They also enjoyed visiting their son and his family in Hawaii.  Brian and Cathy also visited numerous other countries during their lifetime of travel.

Brian and Cathy retired to South Carolina in 2009.  Brian was interested in U.S. and world history, current events, photography, genealogy and his personal family history.  One project he was proud of was creating a comprehensive account of his ancestors through genealogical research.

Even as a young child, Brian always looked forward to the summers when he would spend time in Willsboro, New York on Lake Champlain in the Adirondacks.  He enjoyed spending time outdoors by the lake with his family.  As an adult, Brian continued to enjoy his summers, socializing with family and friends, or happily sitting on the porch reading a book.

You could always count on Brian to have a great command of any given political or historical issue.  He was able to clearly articulate the big picture on many topics, always providing multiple and valuable perspectives.  Brian’s insight and ability to express his knowledge, as well as his kind, helpful and gentle nature will be greatly missed by family and friends.  We will cherish our memories of him.  A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 19th 2023 at Sauls Funeral Home of Bluffton, 90 Simmonsville Road, Bluffton, SC.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Friends of Caroline Hospice, 329 Friends Lane, Ridgeland, SC 29936.