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The rail industry has lost the consummate railroad salesman. Donald Hogan Jr., a manufacturers' representative for dozens of rail industry suppliers — as well as a former Notre Dame football star and passionate Fighting Irish fan — died Dec. 6. He was 63.

Owner of Donald J. Hogan & Co., Hogan represented many maintenance-of-way equipment and service providers over the years, including J.F. Brennan Inc., Delta Railroad Construction, Marta Track Constructors, Railquip Inc. and Harsco Track Technologies, which he was associated with for more than 20 years.

"Don was a great friend and a true railroad salesman," said Progressive Railroading Associate Publisher Richard Zemencik, who knew Hogan for many years.

Hogan also was a great college football player. As a sophomore, he was Notre Dame's leading rusher in 1962. But after being seriously injured in a car accident, he wasn't able to resume his football career after the '62 season. A 1965 Notre Dame graduate, Hogan remained an ardent Fighting Irish fan throughout his life.

He also maintained friendships that dated as far back as grammar school, and was a "loyal, fun and caring friend" to best friend Bill Harmon, Hogan's family said in his obituary.

Hogan, who resided in Palos Park, Ill., is survived by his wife, Carolyn, three children and five grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Donald J. Hogan Sr. Scholarship Fund, c/o St. Ignatius College Prep, 1076 W. Roosevelt Rd., Chicago, IL. 60607.