Obituary of Joseph J. Vogel

Smethport - Joseph J. Vogel, 67, of Smethport, died unexpectedly Friday (June 15, 2012) at his residence in Smethport. He was born Aug 16, 1944 in Pittsburgh, a son of Joseph and Margaret Palange Vogel. On November 28, 1964, in St. Elizabeth Church, Smethport, he married Jane M. Moore, who survives. Mr. Vogel was a graduate of Baldwin Area High School of Baldwin, PA and served in the U.S. Navy during Vietnam. Mr. Vogel was a PA State Trooper from 1967 to 1994, and over his time of service with the State Police, he held the positions of a Criminal Investigator and Fire Marshall. He was awarded "Outstanding young Law Enforcement Officer of the year" in 1975. He retired from the PA State Police; Troop "C"-Kane Station after 27 years. After his retirement, he worked for Mutual Inspection Bureau, Inc., as an independent contractor, up until his death. He was a member of the Smethport Country Club, the American Legion; John Berg Post #976 of Crosby, and the Retired PA State Police Association. He also coached many baseball teams in Smethport over the years, umpired for many years, and played in the Alley Cat Baseball League. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, family and friends at "A-Beer Lodge", his camp. In addition to his wife, he is survived by one daughter: Michelle L. Vogel of Smethport, PA one son: Robert J. (Jackie) Vogel of Bloomsburg, PA grandsons: Alex Vogel and Jeremy Vogel, both of Bloomsburg, PA one sister: Joanie Fazio of Monroeville, PA Special brother & sister in law: Joe & Sue Rossi of Smethport, and several nieces and nephews. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, and 1 sister, Kathleen. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. at Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., 2 Bank St., Smethport, PA. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, at 11:00 am from the funeral home with the Rev. Vincent P. Cieslewicz, pastor of St. Elizabeth Church, Smethport, officiating. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery, Smethport. Military Honors will be accorded by the American Legion; John Berg Post #976 of Crosby. Honor Guard will be provided by the PA State Police. Memorials, if desired, may be made to a charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences can be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.