Richard Vogt Obituary

Richard Vogt

Oct 6, 1925 - Jul 4, 2024

Norwalk

Richard Vogt, 98, of Norwalk, passed away Thursday, July 4, 2024, after a life well-lived.

He was born Oct. 6, 1925, in Belmont County, to Clifton and Bright Darlene Fielding Vogt. Richard's senior year of high school was spent as a sailor during World War II and he received his graduation diploma from Bellaire High School after his military discharge. For two years, his unit was stationed in Milne Bay, New Guinea. Richard achieved the rank of Yeoman 2nd class.

Richard married Gloria Regoli on April 11, 1948, and the two moved to Athens, Ohio so Richard could attend Ohio University. He earned a bachelor's degree and later took master's classes from The Ohio State University. They were married for 73 years. Richard brought his family to Norwalk in 1953 when he accepted a job with the Norwalk City School System as an Industrial Arts teacher. Richard taught middle school industrial arts for 32 years before retiring in 1985. During this time, he was a member of Ohio Educational System, Norwalk Teachers Association, and was a salary negotiator for Norwalk City Schools. He was awarded the school system's first Teacher of the Year Award in 1970-71. Richard was a member of Lions Club, Eagles Club, and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was also a Boy Scout Leader for several years. Upon retirement, he became an avid golfer at Eagle Creek Golf Club and was also a member of ROMEO Club - Retired Old Men Eating Out – gathering at McDonalds where he and his friends had coffee every weekday morning. One of his hobbies was woodworking and with his shop in his home basement, made beautiful wood furniture for his children over the years. Among these were bookshelves, beds, desks, lamps, doll cradles, and more.

Richard was a man of faith. He was a lifetime member of The United Methodist Church first in Bellaire, Ohio and then The First United Methodist Church in Norwalk. Richard sang in the Chancel Choir for 60 years and served as a Communion Steward for 40 years. He was a Lay Witness member under the Rev. Paul Bailey where he witnessed at several churches in northeast Ohio. He was a church trustee, worked with the Children's Logos program, and belonged to several bible studies. His service of giving also extended to Fisher-Titus Hospital where he was a weekly volunteer for many years.

Richard and Gloria moved to Columbus in Oct., 2019 to be closer to their children, taking up residence in an apartment at the Village of Westerville. Richard, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather will be greatly missed by his family.

He is survived by four children and their spouses, Richard Alan and Linda Vogt, Deborah Anne and James Rudy of Columbus, David Arthur and Lori Vogt of Katy, Texas, and Douglas Aaron and Janie Vogt of Columbus; grandchildren, Christopher (Aditi) and Seiya (Miki) Vogt, Kate (Josh) Rudy Yakunich, Amanda (Karthik) Gali, Angela and Alex Vogt, Ashley (Morgan) Miles, Brittani (Steve) Cole, Cameron, Devon, Evan Vogt, and Mario (Juliana) Dirienzo; great-grandchildren, Logan and Lucas Vogt, Emma Yakunich, Iris Gali, Brighton and Phoenix Miles, and Stevie Cole.

Richard was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Gloria in 2021; brothers, Vernon and Robert Vogt and their wives, Helen and Charlotte.

His enduring love and dedication to his family will always be remembered.

Richard's memorial service will be 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024, at Walker-Eastman-Heydinger Funeral Home, 98 West Main Street, Norwalk. The Rev. Dr. Brian Oglesbee will officiate.

Visitation will be 11-11:30 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will take place immediately following the service at Woodlawn Cemetery, 200 Woodlawn Avenue.

Dad loved visiting Inniswood Gardens in his final years.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Garden Development Fund in his name at https://www.inniswood.org/support-inniswood/donations (this is not a link, the link is below the obituary). You may also donate by mail, using check, or cash to 940 S. Hemstead, Westerville, Ohio, 43081.