Robert Kyle Vogel was born on November 16, 1939, to Robert J. and Grace Kyle Vogel in the Bronx, N.Y. After spending his youth in New York City, Bob moved with his family to Bergenfield, New Jersey, graduating from Bergenfield High School in 1957 as valedictorian of his class. At the age of seventeen, he was appointed to the United States Naval Academy, from which he graduated in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering, and was commissioned an ensign in the US Navy. While in the Navy, Bob was stationed in Groton, and served on the USS Becuna, the USS Tusk, and the USS George Washington.

In 1959, Bob was introduced to Judy Wescott by his sister, Christine. Five years later, on June 20, 1964, Bob and Judy married. Together, they had two children, Robert William in 1966, and Karen Hope in 1967. In 1968, Bob left the Navy and the family moved to Newtown, where they lived for the next 26 years. Bob was employed by IBM and then worked in the air freight industry, finishing his career with the United Parcel Service (UPS). While employed by IBM, Bob earned his MBA from University of Bridgeport. In 1994, after Bob accepted a transfer to UPS corporate headquarters, Bob and Judy moved to Alpharetta, Ga. While living in Georgia, Bob and several of his UPS colleagues were awarded a patent from the US Patent and Trademark Office for technology related to freight logistics and package tracking.

In 2002, Bob retired from UPS and he and Judy moved to Weems, Va., having built their dream house on Taylor’s Creek. In 2022, Bob and Judy moved from Weems to nearby Irvington, Va., and to the Rappahannock Westminster Canterbury (RWC) retirement community.

Bob was devoted to his wife and loved his children deeply. He loved young children and adored being his granddaughter’s “Campa.” He was intelligent, a quick learner, and a deep thinker, with a strong work ethic. His infectious smile and laughter will be greatly missed. Bob loved the ocean and spent many happy days on the water in both sail and power boats. While living in Weems, he served for a time as a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, teaching and promoting water safety and participating in patrols to help ensure recreational boater safety. He was an avid reader, with a deep love of history and international affairs. For many years, he was an active volunteer at and supporter of the Lancaster Community Library and then the RWC library. Bob also loved to travel; he and Judy went on many trips together, including to Burma to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary!

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Judy; his daughter, Karen, his son-in-law David Nies, his granddaughter Christina; his sister Christine and her husband James Lorenzen, and his nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents and his son, Lt Robert W. Vogel USN.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 22, at 1 pm, at Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West Street in Newtown, followed by interment at Newtown Village Cemetery. Bob’s family will receive visitors at Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street in Newtown, on the evening of Friday, November 21, from 5 to 7 pm. A memorial service will be arranged in Irvington at a later date.

Bob’s family thanks the staff of RWC’s health/rehabilitation clinic and Hospice of Virginia (Tappahannock) for their expert and loving care during his last days.

Bob’s family requests that anyone wishing to make a memorial donation consider the following organizations: Hospice of Virginia (hospiceofvirginia.com), The Lancaster Community Library (lancasterlibrary.org/give), Paralyzed Veterans of America (secure.pva.org), or The Lt Robert W. Vogel, USN Memorial Scholarship, through Newtown Scholarship Association (newtownscholarship.org).