Obituary of Joseph C. Vogel

Joseph “Joe” Charles Vogel passed away at the age of 81 on Wednesday, March 13, 2019 with his wife, children, and granddaughters at his side. He was also surrounded by friends and many others whose lives were impacted by him.  He was a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and dear friend to many.

Joe was born in Philadelphia, PA in 1938, the son of John & Elizabeth Vogel. Tragically at the age of 13, he lost his father, a professional stock car racer, in a racing accident. Joe grew up fast and to help his mother financially, he started working at the race track as a shoe shine boy. This seemingly insignificant job brought him his big break to become a jockey running races throughout the Midwest and East Coast. Joe won 250 races during his career – no longer the humble shoe shine boy but rubbing boots with the top jockeys during that era.

Joe met his beloved wife Anne in Long Island, NY in 1963. They met at a dance hall and after the first dance, Joe asked Anne to marry him. Anne thought he was crazy but after much persistence and many more dates, they were wed on May 28, 1964. Soon after, their son Joseph (“Little Joe”) was born in 1964, followed by his little “princess” Elizabeth (“Liz”) in 1971, then finally in 1973, his youngest son  Terrance (“Terry” and whom he fondly referred to as “Boss”). Through this marriage, Joe also gained six new “brothers” or brothers in law – Joseph (Joey), Bernard (Benny), Anthony (Tony), Daniel (Danny), Gregory (Greg) and Richard (Richie) Donato – with whom he shared a special bond and fondness that lasted until his death.

After living on the East Coast for many years, they moved to California in 1972. Joe was always the hardworking man doing anything to support his family. He held several jobs (sometimes three at the same time) until he finally settled down at Anheuser-Busch where he worked for 20 years before retiring in 2002.

Joe was a devout Catholic and a member of St. Rose of Lima of Simi Valley, CA and, more recently, The Holy Cross Church in Moorpark, CA. He enjoyed spending time with his family especially his grand daughters and great granddaughter, traveling and, of course, watching the horse races where he remained actively engaged.

Though small in stature, Joe was larger in life to many people with a big personality and always willing to help others. He had a great impact on many people over his lifetime and each and every person had a special and unique relationship with him.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, John & Elizabeth Vogel; his brothers Terrance & Thomas Vogel and his brother in law, Joey Donato. He is survived by his wife Anne, his children, Little Joe, Terry, Liz and her husband Rick Morton; his granddaughters, Carlee (Little Carlee), Shaye (Shaye-Shaye) and Madison (Maddie) and his great granddaughter Brooklynn (affectionately known as “B”); his brother, Jack Vogel, his children Jack (Jackie), Karen and Christina and by his nieces and nephews Lisa, Terrance (Little Terry), Michelle, and Amy Jo. He is also survived by his “brothers” or brothers in law, Bennie, Tony, Danny, Greg and Ritchie Donato as well as their extended family, many loyal and caring friends and, lastly, his furry friends, Dozzer, Kobie and Sweet Pea. 

Joe will be remembered for his big heart, his hilarious sense of humor that made so many people laugh, his “Joebonics” and love for sweets and ice cream. He will be dearly missed but will live forever in our hearts.

The family would like to thank the staff at Los Robles Hospital CCU for their support especially those who cared for Joe during his last days before he moved on to a better place.

Services for Joe will be held at Rose Family Funeral Home in Simi Valley, CA on Saturday, March 23, 2019 at 3pm with reception to follow at his daughter’s home.