Thomas Vogel

This meaningful date marked his 62nd wedding anniversary. Born April 2, 1940, he had recently celebrated his 86th birthday. Sadly, his health was then failing. His family provided comfort during these trying weeks as he struggled to recuperate.

Tom was born in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania to parents, Bernard Francis Vogel and Irma Cecilia Vogel (Exler). He served as a surveyor in the U.S. Air Force followed by a successful career as a cartographer, geodesist and finally, Branch Chief, at the Defense Mapping Agency. He earned a BS degree from University of Maryland and an MBA from George Washington University while working and caring for his family.

Tom loved working on projects at home, and spending time with his family. Together with his wife, Ana, and armed with a chain saw and machete, they built a beautiful cabin in the mountain woods of Deer Park, Maryland. Decades of wonderful family memories were shared at the cabin, dubbed, “Vogel’s Villa”. The house hosted evenings of joyful singing, dancing, campfires, kids making smores and days spent exploring the waterfalls and lakes nearby.

Tom and Ana, both coming from families of humble means, worked together to build their new life in Maryland. They persevered and succeeded. On countless occasions, Tom shared rooms in his house and provided other support to help family members and others in their struggles.

He set the example of hard work to support his family, balancing a career, continued education and family responsibilities. He will always be remembered for his kindness, humor, quiet humbleness and generosity.

Survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Ana Celia Vogel; children, Nancy (spouse James) Brady of Derwood, Maryland and Daniel (spouse Yumi) Vogel of Japan; grandchildren Erika, Keito, Yuto, Celia, and Nina. He was preceded in death by his parents. Also surviving are his siblings: MaryAnn Keagy (Vogel), Sally Ledbetter (Vogel), Margaret “Margy” Gagermeier (Vogel), Elizabeth “Betsy” Nottingham (Vogel), and James “Jim” Vogel.

A service will be held on Wednesday, May 6th at 11am at the DeVol funeral home, 10 E. Deer Park Dr. Gaithersburg, MD, 20877. The burial will follow at Parklawn Memorial Park and Menorah Gardens, 12800 Veirs Mill Rd, Rockville, MD 20853