George M. Vogel

1927 - 2016

SOUTH DEERFIELD - George Mather Vogel, 89 years old, of South Deerfield, MA, passed away peacefully away on March 23rd, 2016. He was born January 13th, 1927 to Rev. George G. Vogel and Lillian Kieran of Newark New Jersey.
As a child George was described as clever, bright and a little mischievous. He often shared a story about getting locked in the bell tower of his father's church and how the fire department had to come to his rescue. He earned his BA in history from Rutgers University, a MA in Education Hunter College, and a BFA in Graphic Art from Cooper Union. He served in the Navy as a Pharmacist mate 3rd class during WWII and the Korean War. George had a variety of careers including teaching history, working for the UN in the 1970s as a Consultant in Economic Affairs and as a writer and graphic artist for his own ad agency and publication company.
He loved to read and discuss books and articles on science, politics and religion. George was also known for his offbeat sense of humor, which was often surreal, sometimes brilliant but never vulgar. Additionally was a gifted jazz pianist and occasionally tickled beautiful passages out of the ivories. He humbly described this as just ""banging around on the keys."" It was rare to be around him when jazz was not playing in the background and a pen doodling a picture.
George is survived by his 5 children Aviva, Mark, Bria, Darcy, and Kieran, 10 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren. George was married to Phyllis for over 50 years. He lost her to cancer last year.
A memorial service will be conducted on Monday March 28, 2016 at the United Church of Bernardston at 1 p.m. Donations can be made to the Williston Northampton School Arts Department or your local school music program.
Expressions of sympathy are available at www.wrisleyfuneralhome.com