Charles R. Vogel

Charles R. Vogel of Gainesville, Florida, passed away on March 4, 2026.

Charles was born in Brooklyn, New York. At the age of 18, he joined the United States Air Force and proudly served for four years during the Korean War, including time stationed in England. While serving there, he met Valerie Rankin. After completing his service and returning to America, Charles sent Valerie a ticket to travel to the United States aboard the Queen Mary. When she arrived, the two were married.

Charles and Valerie began their life together in Queens, New York. Shortly before the birth of their son Robert in 1963, Charles purchased their first home in Selden, New York. In 1968 they welcomed their daughter, Hilary. In 1971, the family moved to a larger home in Mount Sinai, New York.

Charles worked as a salesman by trade and had a gift for making friends wherever he went. One of his closest friends was Jack, who passed away many years before him. Though Charles and Valerie later divorced, she remained an important part of his life because of their children, and he always cared deeply for his family.

In 2003, Charles moved to Gainesville, Florida, where he settled at Pinegrove Apartments. He enjoyed the pond and gardens there so much that he even helped the complex with landscaping. He loved visiting local flea markets and eventually began setting up his own tent to sell items. He was an avid reader and often visited the Gainesville Library. He enjoyed walking through town, especially when the college students were there.

During his years at Pinegrove, Charles was fortunate to meet couple very special women. Evelyn welcomed him warmly into her life and family. She cooked for him, and he spent time with her daughter and grandchildren. After Evelyn passed away, he later met Miriam, whom he often described as an angel sent to him. Miriam cared deeply for him-helping with errands, going to the store, and spending many hours simply sitting and talking. She introduced him into her family, and when he was in the hospital, Miriam and her son and daughter visited him. Another special woman in his life was his daughter-in-law, Diana Vogel. Diana was a wonderful help to Charles and assisted him with so many things. She was the one who took care of many things for him after he moved to Florida and remained in constant contact with Miriam and the doctors throughout all of his time in the hospitals and rehabilitation centers.

Charles had a way of charming people. At times he could be stubborn and difficult, but a smile or laugh from him made it impossible to stay upset for long. He often said that joining the Air Force was the best decision he ever made, because it ultimately led him to the love of his life, Valerie, and to the family he cherished-his two children and four grandchildren.

Charles remained grateful for the excellent care he received through the VA hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and the many doctors and nurses who helped him live a long and full life. Even he was amazed that he lived to the age of 92.

He is survived by his former wife Valerie Newman; his children Robert Vogel and his wife Diana Vogel and Hilary DeCanio and her husband Patrick DeCanio; and his four grandchildren, Stephen Vogel, Brianna Vogel and her fiancé Daniel Grabowski, Jillian DeCanio, and Arden DeCanio.

He will be deeply missed by his family, friends. May he rest in peace.

Crevasse's Simple Cremation is honored to serve the Vogel family.