Obituary
David Vogel, 91, devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather, of Sarasota Florida, passed away peacefully on November 28, 2023 with his loving wife Elaine by his side.
David was born on September 29, 1932 to Hannah and Benzion Vogel in Peekskill New York. After graduating from Brooklyn College of Pharmacy in 1953, David started his career as a pharmacist, first in his father’s pharmacy in Mohegan Lake NY and then his Uncle Max’s pharmacy in Beacon NY. After a few years, David joined Ciba-Geigy, where he spent 35 years as a Pharmaceutical Representative. In 1963 he met Elaine Dix on a blind date. They were quickly smitten with each other and married seven months later on October 20, 1963, which was the start of a lifetime of love and happiness together.
David and Elaine lived in Yonkers for their first three years of marriage, then built a house in Congers NY. This was their home for 41 years, where they raised their children Beth and Andy, as well as numerous cats and other pets. Endless cherished memories were made at the house on Bluebird Drive. David and Elaine loved throwing parties at their home, from theater cast parties to backyard pool parties, which many friends and extended family enjoyed over the years. David was always building something at the house, including a playset/treehouse, solar panels, pool deck, dark room, and most notably a hot tub greenhouse off the back of the house. The garage was his workshop, filled with tools and wood and piles of sawdust on the floor.
David, along with Elaine, was a devoted member of the Elmwood Playhouse in Nyack NY. They joined in 1971, and over the next four decades, David was instrumental in set construction. He served tirelessly as Technical Director, reaching his 100th and final production in 2014. David worked his magic to bring life to each and every set. He was awarded a Lifetime Membership in 1984. Elmwood was like a second home to David and Elaine, and to Beth and Andy as well. Many of their happiest memories centered around Elmwood and the lifelong friendships they made there.
David retired in 1992, which kicked off many years of traveling the world with Elaine and family. They visited more than 25 countries together, their favorites being Bora Bora and New Zealand. For many years, they spent several weeks each winter in a different tropical location and opened each rented home to numerous family and friends, an annual tradition they and others affectionately called “Vogel Vacations”. Throughout his life, but especially in retirement, David was an avid reader and loved
woodworking, skiing, scuba diving, fishing, crossword puzzles, and most importantly loved making his family and friends laugh by telling stories and “dad” jokes.
After downsizing from Bluebird Drive, David and Elaine lived happily in Haverstraw NY for 9 years, and loved their view of the Hudson River just steps from their home. Their last move was south to Sarasota FL, where they enjoyed the warmth and sunshine together for the past 8 years. David and Elaine were completely devoted to one another until the end. As was their wish, David stayed in their home until he passed, with Elaine caring for him along with the tireless assistance and support of Tideswell Hospice and CNA Services.
David is survived by his loving wife of 60 years Elaine, daughter Beth and son-in-law David of Vienna VA, son Andy and daughter-in-law Jenny of Shanghai China, beloved grandchildren Hannah, Kyden, & Emelia, who adored him and he adored beyond measure, and “adopted” daughter Evija of Riga Latvia. A Celebration of Life in David’s honor will be held at 10am on Saturday December 9th at the Tallywood Clubhouse at 1239 Tallywood Dr., Sarasota, FL 34237. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in David’s memory to the Elmwood Playhouse, 10 Park Street, Nyack, NY 10960, https://www.elmwoodplayhouse.com/
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