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Howie "Coach Vogts" Vogts

Howie Vogts Obituary

VOGTS - Howie "Coach Vogts", resident of Bethpage since 1952, passed away at the age of 80 on August 7th, 2010. Bethpage Golden Eagles Football Coach since 1953, with 16 CountyTitles, 5 Long Island Titles, 10 undefeated seasons, 3 Rutgers Cups and over 360 wins, he is the NY State's most winningestfootball coach. Along withhundreds of devoted Alumni and friends, he is survived by hisBeloved sister, Margaret Burton, his nieces and nephews, TimFoley, Pat Foley, JackFoley, Ed Foley, Jr., Marianne Ball, Deborah Burton, and Bob Burton, Grand-nephews Kevin and Timothy Burton and his best friend of 61 years, LarryGraziose. Visiting Tuesday and Wednesday 2-5 & 7-9:30PM at the Arthur F. White Funeral Home, 234 Broadway, Bethpage, NY 11714. A Memorialgathering will take placeThursday 11:00AM at the Howard C. Vogts Football Field atBethpage High School. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bethpage Football Dad's Club. Bethpage High School, Stewart Avene, Bethpage, NY, 11714, In Care of the Bethpage Dad's Club.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Newsday on Aug. 9, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
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FRANK CALLACI

August 4, 2025

STEAK TEA AND TOAST

Ed Buffum

August 4, 2022

Coach Vogts lives in my memories, in my heart, and will always have my respect.
Ed Buffum

ben zuk

August 3, 2021

Coach: i stop by every so often to visit your grave site; to offer my respects; Golden Eagles have struggled in recent years, but i am sure they will rise to the top once again; hope they will continue to recognize you and your memory; I wear your Coach Vogts shirt under my game day shirts every game i coach.

Ed Buffum

August 3, 2020

The best coach that ever was and a great man, Coach Vogts is still remembered and missed by Ed Buffum (class of 1960).

Chris Meyer

November 16, 2010

I had the honor of being the captain of his undefeated team of 1973. He was my second father and he was made of gold. His heart was on his sleeve, and his love for his players was un-waivering. His living room had a carpet that was green and lined like a football field. His wife adored him and so did all the rest of us. He was one of a kind, the best kind. There was nothing he would not do for the Golden Eagles and his true legacy was all of us who knew him and loved him. I have no doubt that if God has a football team, Coach Voghts is coaching it.

ben zuk

September 11, 2010

to all ex coach vogts players / be advised that Nassau County has honored Coach by having each varsity team in the county have HV stickers on the back of their helmets

August 14, 2010

George Baggio

Kim & Paulie

August 14, 2010

Words cannot even express the sadness we feel over the loss of our dear friend Coach. We were so blessed to call him our friend. He was a wonderful caring man and we will miss him so much. Rest in Peace Coach.

Steve and Karen Belville

August 14, 2010

We are friends of Coach and Murphy from St. Petersburg, Florida. We looked forward every year to their return and the gathering to watch the past football season at Coach's and listen to him detail each and every game and watch the videos. Coach was a great man and will be greatly missed by his friends in St. Pete. Rest in Peace our friend. Steve Belville and Karen Wilder

ben zuk

August 12, 2010

I attended the memorial service for Coach today at Howie Vogts field. Thee perfect setting, the weather broke, was overcast and slightly cooler. Guesstimate 1000 plus attended, the scoreboard read
Home Howie Visitors Vogts

time 3:64 for his wins
1st 99 yds to go 4th 1/4.

there were 10 speakers among them Coach Erwin Dill, assist for 26 yrs and closest thing Howie had to an actual son beyond his 'boys'; then Coach Snyder from farmingdale / Coach Krumenaker from Farmingdale / Hempstead / Kevin Glickert 09 grad /

3/4 way thru his hearst was pulled to broadway side of field and parked under the Howie C Vogts field sign.

after each person filed out and was give a flower, blue or gold and placed them in basket in front of two photos of Coach on the field /
the flowers were then placed on his coffin at the cemetary after a grave side service.

This brief description doesn't do justice to the inspiration that abounded, the tears that were shed, as we said goodbye to a great man and true friend.

August 12, 2010

Mr Vogts was bigger than life forty years ago, well before his coaching records went through the roof. He was a great coach, teacher, and mentor to so many young men at Bethpage High School. God bless him. Tom Veve, Bethpage class of 1969. Dalton. Georgia.

August 12, 2010

I am very saddened by the death of a truely great man. My thoughts and prayers are with him, his family and the Bethpage community. As a former student, player and perennial Golden Eagles fan I look back at all the years and smile. Thanks Coach. God Bless.
Eric Schwabe - Bethpage Class of 1987 (Dobbs Ferry, NY)

Ed Buffum

August 11, 2010

August 11, 2010
Mr. Vogts was bigger than life in the eyes of a ten-year-old fifth grader. He was a teacher, coach, and, to some, he was more than a father figure. When he spoke, I listened. When I spoke, he listened. There has been no one who more influenced my life. I'm thankful for the guidance and the life direction he so selflessly gave me.
Ed Buffum, Class of '60
~ Ed Buffum, Vero Beach, Florida

chris & Dana Murphy

August 11, 2010

I am a Murphy. A stepson. I have had many private conversations with Howie and can say that he never spoke of himself. Its was always about the kids. I grew up with with a father that was an all american in college and Coach Vogts was an extreme compliment. My Mom and Howie had been together for over 20 years and I could not have been happier, to see her smile. I am extremely proud of howie and his commitment to his program and to my mom, his bethpapge family, and how he spread himself across the community. I am extremely proud.

frank nappi

August 11, 2010

Howard enjoyed a good lunch which we shared many times. He was a devoted teacher and coach and will be missed. God Bless! Frank Nappi, Wantagh, N.Y.

billy romano

August 11, 2010

you are loved and respected as a leader, teacher,mentor and coach.we will miss your guidance, strength and heart.i will miss the daily stories you told me from aug thru nov.every season about your players past and present.it has been an honor to have known you.i only wish i could have played for you. thanks for everything coach. bigbilly romano&family

ben zuk

August 11, 2010

I attended the funeral home this evening and this afternoon, extraordinary the scope of ppl assembled, from teenagers to men and women in their 80s, all with the same common bond, Coach Vogts. No better testament to the man and his affect on those he touched. Coach is indeed a part of all whom and that he has touched and we are forever grateful

Roger Davis

August 10, 2010

A remarkable man, a remarkable life. Rest in peace, Coach.

Al Kirchner, BHS 1967

August 10, 2010

Howard Vogts was a great guy and dedicated teacher and coach! He was a role model for those younger and older, student and teacher alike. I am saddened by this news but remember him today and thank him for all that he gave me, Bethpage High School and the community. May he rest in the peace of Christ.

Dennis Maier

August 10, 2010

sorry i was'nt there, like you where there for me so many times. So many phrases and comments,that when you"re 16 & 17 we thought where corny, ring true now. One in particular was you told us that playing high school football that "WE WOULD TAKE IT TO OUR GRAVES" you hit that one on the head. YOU WILL BE MISSED. Dennis Maier (class of '80)

Vince Cloonan

August 10, 2010

At class of "60;s 20th reunion at K of C Hall in Bethpage..many of our teachers were invited. Who was the only one to show up to celebrate with us? You got it!!..Coach Vogts!!! He "worked the crowd" just like years past. Hugging everyone and reminding us of how we missed those years. A small gesture? Yes. But that was the man Howie Vogts. This is how he endeared his "little guys" to him for life. There will never be another like him. Enjoy Paradise Coach..and thank you.

Frank D'Andrea

August 10, 2010

Loved by all, missed by many, he was a true mentor who touched everyone he coached and inspired everyone who knew him to be their best. Forever in our hearts. Frank D'Andrea Class of 64'

FRANK CALLACI

August 10, 2010

MY COACH R.I.P.

JIM CARTER

August 10, 2010

REST IN PEACE COACH AND THANK YOU.

JIM CARTER
CLASS OF "66"

John Roden

August 10, 2010

There are few men like him.
I remember not wanting to let him down. He was a presence a father figure. He was the father to thousands of boys among a community of family’s. A grand patriarch who the slightest tilt of the head or a comment could influence his players to achieve above their abilities.
When you played for him one felt that there was something else you belonged to and that you were a part of something that was destined to win.
He inspired great men to work with him and become part of something bigger. There are men that have worked under Coach Vogts that on their own would of have lead other teams to championships but understood what Coach stood for and sacrificed their ambitions to be part of something bigger.
A truly inspirational man he was. Belonging to another time and bringing work ethic to a blue and white collar, family orientated community. He will be missed, God bless his sole.

August 10, 2010

It's a sad day for Bethpage, especially for those of us who knew Howie off the field. I did not play football in HS (Class of "62), but had a bird's eye view of Coach Vogts as I played in the band and marched at halftime. Howie did coach my son (Class of "86) and I was an admiring fan. Condolences to family and friends. Few people have the opportunity or ability to touch so many lives in such a positive manner. Howie, your legacy will live on in Bethpage for a long, long time.

Russ Pilgrim
Henderson, Nevada

August 9, 2010

YOU ARE A LEGEND AND A LEGACY

YOUR FAMILY WILL MISS YOU DEEPLY

LORETTA AND JOHN HENSON

Linda Dimmling/Nugent

August 9, 2010

A coach,inspiration and legend to all that knew him...he'll be drilling them on the "golden" fields of Heaven...I like thinking that the guys that went before him are happy to see him again...I'm sure Billy has a big smile now that the coach is there. Thanks for the care and the memories...I'm sure there will be many a toast for "Howie"

George Siracuse

August 9, 2010

Coach Howie you had such a profound effect on so many young men. My younger brothers and I played for you and you truly were one of a kind. I was part of those undefeated, championship teams in '79 & '80. My brothers Joe and Pete later on in the late 80's. God bless you as you take the field in the most holy of stadiums to be reunited with your wife and some of your players who have gone before you, Richie Waters, Ricky Walsh and my brother-Pete as well. You will always be remembered as that gentle giant you were. God Bless, George Siracuse, #62 Class of 1981.

Donna Monte Probst

August 9, 2010

Will always remember the Big Man who brought us so many victories .He will be missed

John De Haan

August 9, 2010

'Thanks for all the years of dedication to the kids of Bethpage. And thanks for all the winning seasons. Bethpage is proud of you.

August 9, 2010

A Gentle Giant, may you rest in peace, my condolences and sympathy to your family and friends. Robin Frenzel
(Class of 1973)

Vic Vreeland

August 9, 2010

I was a student at Bethpage High - Class of 1963 - He was already a legend back then. I recall his devotion to the Golden Eagles and to all the kids at school. I remember summer vacation trips to Jones Beach with "Mr Vogts." I suspect he is now tossing the football with Pat O'Shea and Billy Nugent. What a loss, what a great man but what a memory we all have. [email protected]

Terry Schmidt-Richter

August 9, 2010

Dear Coach, May He raise you up on Eagles Wings, as you raised the Golden Eagles to great heights, a state class program by a coach dedicated to his ideals. You are a coach, many others only could wish to be. You will be missed by all who came in contact with you. Terry Schmidt Richter, cheerleader, class of '63

The Solliday Family

August 9, 2010

Thanks for the memories, Coach. Our prayers to your family and the Bethpage families you've touched. You will truly be missed.

August 9, 2010

Mr. Bethpage football the heart of the Golden Eagles has come to rest but will be and in the hearts of all of us who respected the legend. The Three Amigo's Bethpage NY .

A MacArthur General

August 9, 2010

Coach, your Bethpage teams from the late 70's and early 80's were some of the toughest football teams ever. You are a Long Island High School Football Legend who will never be forgotten.

Elyse Derman

August 9, 2010

A true institution. A sweet and gentle man. He will remain in our hearts forever.

Charles Fisher

August 9, 2010

Dear Howie I played against your team in 1968 they were tough and well coached.

Bob DeThomasis

August 9, 2010

Coach,
I will miss our chats in front of the TV in your living room. You have been an inspiration to my entire family, especially my son, who had the honor to have played for you and my daughter who cheered for you.
It has been a privledge for me to have known you and to have spent time with you. I will pray for you and your family and you will live with me and my family forever. Thank you for eveerything.
The DeThomasis Bob, Sue, Chrissie and Bobby

Michael Romano

August 9, 2010

My son and many of my son'e friends played football for Coach Vogts. I am certain he will be missed. Many "thank you's" to a great man - a Bethpage legend.

Peggy Boltja

August 9, 2010

Soory to hear about Coach Howie Vogts. He was already there when we moved to Bethpage in 1959 when we were starting our family. He coached five of the Boltja boys as they came of age. He was still going strong when we moved away. He was really a football legend in our community and will be remembered by his players for years to come. My sympathy goes out to his family and may his soul rest in peace with that of his beloved wife.

Morris Family

August 9, 2010

Your spirit will live eternally in Bethpage.

Mary Ann DiGuiseppi

August 9, 2010

A true legend in his own time, and one great coach and teacher!
May god bless you and your family, and the extended family of Bethpage High School.
Rest in peace!
Love the DiGuiseppi family

August 9, 2010

A true legend. Next time I am in Bethpage I will run a lap around the track in his honor. Ted Isoldi cross country, track class of 1978

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