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Bruce M. Fogel
1949 - 2016
Bruce M. Fogel
1949 - 2016
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1949
DIED
2016
Bruce Fogel Obituary
He was born Jan. 31, 1949, and was raised in Northampton. He is the grandson of Benjamin and Lillian Fogel of Brooklyn, New York, and Eva and Jack August, and his parents David and Rita Fogel predeceased him, all of Northampton.
After attending Northampton schools, Bruce graduated from Columbia College, he played semi-professional basketball in France and made his way back to western Massachusetts. From there he attended and received his juris doctor degree from Western New England College School of Law. He also held a master of laws degree in taxation from Boston University School of Law.
Bruce practiced with his father in the law office of David Fogel beginning in the mid '70s, then had the opportunity to work with a number of local attorneys in the same location at 78 Main St., Northampton, being a partner in Fogel, Gerard, Ghazey & Halbert P.C., before transitioning to Bacon Wilson P.C. in June of 2006.
Bruce was very active in civic affairs, serving the Hampshire Regional YMCA, Clarke School for the Deaf, Cooley Dickinson Hospital and Look Park. He was also a member of the board of directors of Hampshire County United Way, Citizens Action Committee and Lathrop Communities, and other civic organizations too numerous to mention, reflective of his generous good nature. One of his most rewarding activities was playing Santa at Look Park.
He was the very proud father of two sons, Evan Goldwater Fogel of Providence, Rhode Island, and Alex Ian Fogel presently of Northampton. He is also survived by his brothers (also attorneys) Robert L. Fogel of Chicago, and Barry P. Fogel, of Newburyport; along with a number of nieces and nephews and their spouses.
In addition to his passion for golf, he continued the August family tradition of singing when the opportunity presented itself. Bruce was beloved by the community and will be missed as a father, an attorney, a friend, a volunteer and an entertainer.
The funeral will be held Wednesday, May 11, at 1:30 p.m. at Congregation B'nai Israel with burial to follow at the Congregation B'nai Israel Cemetery.
Donations in Bruce's memory may be made to any of the following: United Way of Hampshire County, VNA & Hospice of Cooley Dickinson, Hospice of the Fisher Home, Friends of Look Park or Cooley Dickinson Hospital.
The Ahearn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
To sign a Guest Book, express condolences, share memories and read other obituaries, go to www.gazettenet.com/obituaries.
48 Entries
Evan Fogel
February 5, 2025
I miss you soo much still and think of you all the time. I wish more than anything you received proper care and could have met your grandson, Bryce Mason Fogel. He's so freaking smart and just perfect. He just started basketball and I hope to coach him like you did with me. You would have been the best grandpa and I cry a lot thinking about that. I miss you I love you I think about you a lot. Love you're son Evan
John Conneely
August 26, 2016
Bruce Fogel was a great guy, a great lawyer, and he had a great sense of humor. I was very sorry to learn the news of his passing at this late date. I found his help invaluable in handling my legal and business affairs. I called him my legal Buddha, and once, in gratitude, I presented him with a small statue of the Buddha which he placed in his office. He manner, expertise, and sense of humor were such that he could make dealing with weighty matters seem like a pleasure. He will be missed greatly. My condolences to his family and friends.
Cynthia Bielanski
May 19, 2016
Pauline and family,
So very sad for your loss. My favorite neighbors on Forbes Ave.
Sincere sympathy,
Cindy Bielanski
Dave Blinn
May 17, 2016
Barry & Bob, I just found out about Bruce, my deepest sympathy. I can remember watching him play hoop in the city league. When he moved to the hoop, he moved to the hoop. That power went beyond basketball,it was part of his style and positive outlook on life. My thoughts are with you during this sad, sad time
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Marilyn & Steve Monsein
May 16, 2016
I have so many fond memories of Bruce both professionally and personally. His passing was a shock. We have lost a fine gentleman and good friend.
May 13, 2016
Pauline and boys sorry for your loss vmlebeau
Dick Venne
May 13, 2016
I remember well when I first met Bruce, my Mom knew him from the hospital where she worked for over 30 years as the switchboard operator. She had a part-time job at the Pine Rest Nursing Home as their activities director. She asked Bruce to come an play Santa, he responded I'm Jewish, she said she needed his help. This launched a new career which Bruce had for 30 years. I had the opportunity to serve with him on the Board of the United Way for many years and we also played golf when we could. I will miss him greatly as he always made me feel like mini me when I stood by him., not my usual feeling at 6' tall and 245lbs.
Danielle Goldwater
May 12, 2016
Dear Evan, Alex, Pauline, Rob and Barry,
I'm so sad to learn of Bruce's sudden death. My heart goes out to you.
Apart from his abundant legal skills, Bruce was an unforgettable, remarkable force of nature, community leader, comic wit, athlete, and singer with a great baritone voice.
I'm so sorry Bruce will never get to see his children's marriages and grandchildren, or to retire and enjoy leisure in 'Fogel Standard Time'. I am grateful that Bruce's family and friends got to see the outpouring of love and respect and hear all the eulogies at his funeral. I just wish Bruce had been there to hear it. (Perhaps he was...)
Bruce, You were taken way too soon. Your passing reminds us to cherish those we love and live every moment fully.
Jim Brooks
May 11, 2016
"What a man , what a man, whatta mighty good man" Blessed by knowing Bruce for 60 years !!
REST IN PEACE !!
Maureen Tobin
May 11, 2016
Bruce was bright, kind, funny and civic minded. Northampton's light shines a bit dimmer this week with the loss of such a vibrant man. Our paths crossed a few times professionally, more often (and with more fun) on committees when I lived in Hamp. My thoughts and prayers go out to his children and siblings at this sad time.
Tanya Abbatessa
May 11, 2016
Pauline, Evan, Alex and the Fogel Family -
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. I had the distinct pleasure of working with Bruce for over 11 years. He was a very fastidious attorney. His always multiple page letters (a one page letter was very rare for Bruce) always including personal messages to his many, many clients, never leaving out a thing. He made sure every 'I' was dotted and every 'T' crossed on everything that he worked on. His work ethic was unmatched by any one person I have ever met or surely ever will meet. If I never see another income tax return to prepare I will be happy, yet Bruce gladly took them on by the hundreds and hundreds and never stopped until he completed every last one - always under the deadline clock of April 15th. He was not only my boss but he was also my friend through some very trying times in my life. I am the proud recipient of some of his many poems written especially for me - that I will always cherish. May the fond memories that you have of him keep all of you strong now and in the future. My Love to all of you during this very difficult time.
May 11, 2016
Even, I am so very sorry, my prayers are with you and your family...Henry and Susan Aubin
Joesette Picard
May 11, 2016
I was blessed to meet Bruce through a past job; when he stopped what he was doing to simply sing a song to calm down the busy office. He always somehow knew what others needed with out them saying it. No matter what was happening he always had a smile and a song for everyone. You are missed Bruce. Thoughts and prayers to his friends and family.
May 11, 2016
I will miss his laugh, his smile, and his quick wit. What a great guy.
Beth James
Michelle Dionne
May 11, 2016
To the Fogel family,
Words cannot begin to say how sorry and shocked we all are to hear about Bruce's passing. He has been the rock that held our family together over the years ~ through all of our personnel losses of family he has been there, especially last year with the passing of my Mother. Bruce has been with us for so long, he is a part of our family, a big brother, a father figure, watching out for us. Please know that you are in our hearts and prayers right now ~ The Wagner & Mitchell Family
Marge Shapira
May 11, 2016
To Barry and Bobby,
I am so sorry to hear about Bruce; I still remember all the NHS basketball games and hoping to see him at the 50th reunion that I would finally get to. It's already been a tough year and it's only May. What a loss for our community. Margie (Merrill) Shapira
Ann Marie Sicard
May 11, 2016
Bob & Barry,
Reading today's article about Bruce brought back many childhood memories. He was a large presence in our neighbor hood. I can still hear the screams as he would come bounding out of the house to chase us! Made me laugh! His passing leaves a large hole in the community!
Sharon Brooks
May 11, 2016
RIP Bruce. Remember all good times in high school Sharon Brooks Stone
Tina Thornton
May 10, 2016
The earth cries and the heavens rejoice with the news of your passing Bruce. You made the world a much kinder, gentler place to live. I always thought of you as my protective big brother and knew I could always count on you in any time of need. May peace and rest now be yours Bruce. I will miss you~
My sincere and heartfelt sympathies to the entire Fogel family.
Martha Crane
May 10, 2016
Bob and Barry, I am so sorry for your loss. I was looking forward to reconnecting with Bruce at our 50th reunion. We were childhood friends and I have some wonderful memories of our times at the house on Forbes Ave. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Brenda Kent
May 10, 2016
Our deepest sympathy to Bruce's family. He was a wonderful man, with a big heart. So sorry . Chris and Brenda Kent
May 10, 2016
Bob, I was very sorry to hear of the loss of your brother, too young. He clearly lived life to the fullest. Listen to all the stories people will share about him, I am sure they will be very special. Peace to you all. Nancy Frost Conant
Beth Crawford
May 10, 2016
I am very sorry to learn of the death of our friend and colleague. He will be greatly missed.
Karen Jacobus Jason Prouty
May 10, 2016
Dear Alex and Family,
I just heard about your Dad from Rachel. We are so very sorry for your loss and are holding you close to our hearts. I loved reading about your Dad being Santa st Look Park and know he must have brought joy to so many.
Much love,
Karen and Jason
Barbara Neslin
May 10, 2016
Condolences to the Fogel family. Bruce was wonderful to my parents. May he rest in peace.
George Kopacz
May 10, 2016
Bruce- I remember the head to head basketball games in your parents back yard.RIP!
Moreen & Ron Caliri
May 10, 2016
We never had the pleasure of meeting Bruce and we were so looking forward to it one day. Our children, Kabrin and Evan, would have given us that opportunity. Only distance and miles kept us from not connecting. From all I have heard and read about him, this is such a terrible loss and we are saddened not only for all his family and friends, but for missing out on getting to meet and know him. Our thoughts are with you all. Evan and Alex, he will watch over and guide you. Continue to make him proud, more now than ever! Pauline, a big hug is coming your way. Love, Moreen & Ron Caliri
Angie Chereski
May 10, 2016
Dear Pauline and family, I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. I had the opportunity to run into Bruce a few times since high school and he never changed. Always glad to see you and an all around nice guy. He was taken too soon. My thoughts are with you all during this difficult time.
Ken Shea
May 10, 2016
Bob and Barry I'm so sorry to have learned about your father's passing. Bruce and I became close friends starting at Vernon St. School, Hawley Grammer Jr. High, and continued right through high school. I have very fond memories of playing baseball and basketball on same and different teams with him during our youth. He was a very fine athlete. I was so looking forward to seeing him at our 50th class reunion next month. My prayers and thoughts will be with him and for you during this difficult period.
May 10, 2016
Dear Pauline, Evan and Alex, so sorry to hear of your loss! Our thoughts and prayers are with you- Larry & Deb Adams& family
Karel Rescia
May 10, 2016
Bruce was a perfect man,he was always there for me whenever I needed to talk. I will miss you deeply,
Wanda Muller
May 10, 2016
On behalf of my husband Don and myself I 'd like to express my sincere sympathy to the family and friends of Bruce Fogel. Even though I only met him a few times I could sense what a nice man he was. A very sad loss.
Wendy Kane
May 10, 2016
Dear Pauline, Evan and Alex: I am so sorry for your loss. I know David and Stephen have such fond memories of time spent with Bruce when they were young boys. Particularly the Halloween walks. We will all be thinking of you.
Liliana Klass
May 10, 2016
Bruce you left us much too soon! Northampton won't be the same without you. It was so nice when we saw each other walking around and you smiled big and hugged me bigger. I was engulfed in Bruce. I'll miss you. Be happy wandering around in a different dimension. We'll meet there when the time comes.
Mady Tissenbaum
May 10, 2016
I was very sorry to hear about Bruce's passing; it will be a loss to many in the community. His was a very kind and generous soul, and he will be missed.
Kathleen (Thayer) Gauger
May 10, 2016
So sorry to hear of Bruce's passing. My late sister worked for him right out of law school. Such a nice man. My condolences to his family. Another gone too soon....so sad.
David & Shannon Fleury
May 10, 2016
We are sad beyond belief to learn of Bruce's passing. He was a wonderful person with the biggest heart & most amazing mind. We will truly miss him. Our thoughts & prayers go out to his family.
Eydie Allen Zive
May 10, 2016
Bruce's Goliath personality matched his stature. As a Northampton native, our families went way back, and always with fondnedd. He shall be missed.
Eydie Allen Zive
Thom Wright
May 10, 2016
Bruce was a true gentleman and a pleasure to know. His wit and wisdom will be greatly missed by all at Lathrop who had the privilege to serve alongside him. A one of a kind, irreplaceable and influential figure.
Our sincere condolences to his family and friends.
May 10, 2016
Bruce was a wonderful man. He knew my father, Charles Carr and he came to his wake a few weeks ago. They golfed together. I am sorry for your loss. Take care. Terry Carr
Mary Mahar
May 10, 2016
Shocked and saddened to hear of Bruce's passing. Bruce touched many lives during difficult times and his wit and insight helped family members weather those times. From the Lesko family, accept our condolences.
Ann Marie Sicard
May 10, 2016
Pauline, Bob & Barry,
Was shocked when I heard the news of Bruce's passing! He was a wonderful man. He was my mom's lawyer and I worked closely with him just recently when she sold her house. He was very kind to all of us. We will miss him!
May 10, 2016
Our deepest sympathy to Robert, Barry and the entire Fogel family.
My memories go back many years and are of a young boy and his growth and accomplishments.
Love. Bob and Helen Cohen Kroll
Pat Cohen
May 10, 2016
Barry and I are so sorry about Bruce's death. He was a funny and kind person, helped us so much in our lives. He will be missed.
Elisabeth Brook
May 10, 2016
I came to know Bruce during a very difficult time in my life. Without exaggeration, I can honestly say he was the kindest man I have ever met. And, one of the most savvy. He helped me solve problems I thought were overwhelming. He was funny, graceful, a poet, and an excellent lawyer. Over the years I came to regard him as a brother, and I will miss him deeply.
ELIZABETH SINGER
May 9, 2016
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Don Ladd
May 9, 2016
Was looking forward to connecting again with Bruce at his 50th high school reunion. I haven't seen Bruce since 1965. We will all miss Bruce's sense of humor. Bruce always took the time to listen.
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