Allen F. Al Veigel

Allen F. "Al" Veigel
95, of Dover died Sunday, April 8, 2012 in the New Dawn Healthcare Center. Born Jan. 30, 1917 in Dover he was a son of the late John and Mary VanLehn Veigel. Allen was also preceded in death by his wife, Virginia C. Veigel on Sept. 14, 2005; infant twin children, Charles Allen and Carol Virginia Veigel; brothers, Lester and James Veigel and nephews, Richard Colvin and Jeffrey Veigel. Al was a 1935 graduate of Tuscarawas High School and following his graduation he was signed by the Boston Bee's as a pitcher with his manager being Casey Stengel. His professional baseball career was cut short because of World War II where he was drafted by the Army in 1941 and proudly served his country until the end of the war in 1945. Al was never far from the sporting world as was evident by his career as a sporting goods salesman first with Klar's Athletic Supply in Dover and finally with the Edward R. Hart Co. in Canton where he retired in 1984. But, Al is best known for being a well-respected basketball referee for over 40 years. He had the honor of refereeing in 12 state finals in high school basketball as well as being a ref on the collegiate level with the Ohio and MAC Conferences. His greatest professional achievement was when he was inducted into the Ohio Officials Hall of Fame in Columbus. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Dover, the former Dover Elks Club and The Eastern District Officials Association where he served as secretary for many years. In his spare time he enjoyed a relaxing game of golf and working in the yard.
Al is survived by his children, Mary (Dennis) Kosko of Hoffman Estates, Ill. and Allen E. "Chip" (Deb) Veigel of North Canton; grandchildren, Tiffani Gardner and her fiancé, Eric Wolfe, Brian and Amy Kosko; niece, Ann Colvin and her companion, Dr. Gene Vassey; nephews, John, James and Joel Veigel; sister in law, Doris Veigel.
Cremation has been entrusted to the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home and Crematory at Dover. A private memorial service will be held at a later date with inurnment at the Dover Burial Park Mausoleum. Those wishing to express their fondest memories of Al may do so by visiting the on line obituaries and flowers link on the funeral homes website. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one's choice.