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Milton Hershey School Columbia University Millersville University Syracuse University

FUNERAL HOME

Bean Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Inc. - Shillington

129 East Lancaster Avenue

Shillington, Pennsylvania

David Voigt Obituary

David Q. Voigt, 89, of Cumru Twp., passed away on January 16, 2016, at his residence.

He was the husband of Virginia (Erb) Voigt, married Dec. 27, 1951. Born in Reading, he was the son of the late Henry Wm. and Ethel (Osmond) Voigt, who were former Albright professors.

A 1944 graduate of the Hershey Industrial School (Milton Hershey School), he graduated from Albright College in 1948. In 1949, he received an M.A. degree in history from Columbia University and in 1962, he received his Ph.D in social science from Syracuse University. In 2010, Albright College awarded him the Doctor of Humane Letters Degree.

As an educator, Voigt taught social studies for six years in New York State High Schools. In 1956, he began his college teaching career teaching history, sociology and anthropology at Millersville State College. He taught sociology and chaired the department at Muskingum College, New Concord, Ohio, in 1963 and the following year, he returned to Albright College, where he taught for 34 years, retiring in 1998.

Among his honors, Voigt received a Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching in 1974; in 1977, he received an Albright Alumnus National Citation Award; in 1993, he was chosen Alumnus of the Year by the Milton Hershey School; in 1999, the North American Society for Sports History held a Baseball Symposium in his honor at Albright. Voigt is listed in "Who's Who in America" and in "Outstanding Educators of America."

As an author, Voigt wrote seven books on Major League Baseball history. His three volume history, "American Baseball," is regarded as a classic work on the subject. He also published nearly 200 articles on baseball. In 2009, he was named King of Baseball Town by the Reading Phillies. Voigt also coached many baseball teams in Berks youth leagues and recounted his experiences leading one of them in "A Little League Journal."

Voigt's memberships included the American Sociological Association, American Anthropological Assn. and The Popular Culture Assn. He was a charter member of the North American Society for Sports History, a member and past President of the Society for American Baseball Research, and a past President of the Pennsylvania Sociology Association.

A World War II veteran, Voigt served in the Army Air Corps. He retired in 1973 as a Major in the Air Force Reserve.

He was a member of Immanuel United Church of Christ, Shillington.

He was predeceased by his brother, H. William Voigt.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Virginia E. Voigt; sons: David J. Voigt, husband of Nancy, of Sinking Spring, and Mark W. Voigt, husband of Mary, of Blue Bell, PA; grandchildren: Carly Hertzog, wife of Chris, and Jesse, Grady, Gregory and Patrick Voigt; great-grandchild, Adelaide Hertzog.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.

A memorial service/Celebration of Life will he held at Immanuel UCC, 99 S. Waverly St., Shillington, on Tuesday, January 19, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. A private interment will be at the convenience of the family.

Bean Funeral Home of Shillington is in charge of arrangements; online condolences may be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com.

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

Published by Reading Eagle on Jan. 17, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for David Voigt

14 Entries

Paul Laincz

January 24, 2016

I met Dave at the Heritage of Green Hills. It was a joy to listen to him talk about baseball. His knowledge and insight into this sport was fascinating for me.

Bill Bender

January 24, 2016

Dr.Voigt was my baseball coach when I first moved to the Reading area near the end of 6th grade. It was such an enjoyable season and he soon nurtured my interest in baseball history. Along with his many accomplishments, he was such a "down-to-earth" man. Over the years, he continued to share his wit and humor on many topics--not just baseball. I have been privileged to know him (and his family).

Jonathan Voigt

January 19, 2016

Our part of the family is saddened by the passing of our Uncle David. He was a Very Great Man. May the memories stay alive with hope in with the Voigt Traditions to come. He is in our prayers. Jonathan Voigt,Melody

Christina Voigt Tylenda

January 19, 2016

I look at your picture and see a strong resemblance of my grandfather (your brother) H. William Voigt. Although we never met, I will miss the stories we never shared. I used to collect baseball cards as a child. I think we would have had great conversations had we met. May your family be surrounded with the joyful, loving memories they shared with you.

Regretfully,

Christina Voigt Tylenda

Tom Rhoads

January 19, 2016

Dear Mrs. Voigt, Dave, and Mark, My condolences to you. What an amazing life he shared with so many. My sincere appreciation for your husband, father, and your family in all that Dr. Voigt did to raise the confidence, grit,sense of team spirit, and celebrating the grand times for the Mifflin Park Baseball team. A very special time for me and all of us who were privileged to learn and experience what living a life of contribution looked like and felt like, through Dr. Voigts exemplary leadership.
Sincerely,
Tom Rhoads

Lois Kruse-Theisinger

January 19, 2016

I'm so sorry to hear about Dr. Voigt. He was truly an inspirational teacher as well as an entertaining story teller. More importantly, he was a terrific family man. I have always held him (and his family) in high regard. He will certainly be missed.

Terry Reilly

January 19, 2016

Sorry to see you go, Dave. The world was a better place with you in it. I enjoyed our talks on campus. It will be hard to watch a baseball game and not think about you. Peace.

Jennifer Voigt (Nick Voigt's youngest Daughter)

January 18, 2016

My heart goes out to the family.. I wish i had met David since Bill(H. William) whom is my grandfather (always in my heart) .. I am blessed to say i have the Voigt family tree. .

Patricia Zweizig

January 18, 2016

My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.

Albert Sack

January 18, 2016

My condolences to the Voigt family on the passing of David. Your family has a long associaton with my parents (the late Harry and Rose Sack) and me. David's mother was one of my first baby sitters. My mother was a peer of David's as a professor in the sociology department at Albright College and I was fortunate to be able to take one of his sociology classes at Albright. I will always cherish the baseball discussions we had and the personalized autograph baseball books that he authored. Dave was an amazing human being and a great family man.

Sylvester Voigt

January 18, 2016

Good Bye for now Dear Uncle, I deeply enjoyed our base ball talks & air craft carrier stories. You kept the Voigt family heritage alive with the history of our family coming over in the middle 1800's in splendid detail. You will carry on in our memories and hearts forever, RIP David.

January 17, 2016

A superlative gentleman of the highest
order.He introduced me and my wife to the
wonderful world of baseball andits never
ending great stories. We became very close over the last five years.His kindness and knowledge were ever lasting.
A master student of the game.God bless his his memory.

John Thorn

January 17, 2016

Hail and farewell, David. It was an honor to till the field beside you.

Dave Kase

January 17, 2016

The Voigt Family I was saddened to read of the passing of Mr. Voigt. He was one of the leaders of our every 3rd Thursday baseball gathering at Chef Alan's. He was so knowledgeable about baseball and always brought interesting stories to our meetings. His background in the military and education also speak for themselves. Most of all he was a gentleman, always. He will be missed by all. RIP Dave

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