Herbert Fogel, 79

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NARRAGANSETT, R.I. – Herbert “Herb” Fogel, of Narragansett and Delray Beach, Florida, passed away on May 31 after suffering with Parkinson’s Disease.  He was the husband of Judith (Jacobson) Fogel for almost 50 years. 

Born in Cranston, Herb was the son of the late Joseph and Lillian (Wine) Fogel.  He grew up in East Greenwich and was a proud graduate of the Class of 1959.  He attended Bryant College and served in the Army for two years, before joining the family business, Brown Tailors and Cleaners in East Greenwich, where he worked for 34 years, retiring in 2000.  It was truly a family business, working side by side with his parents, wife, and children, proudly serving the needs of the town and its many residents.

Herb’s brother, Bruce, instilled in him the love of travel and Herb, with his wife by his side, told everyone that he visited and toured six continents and over 80 countries!  Travel however, took second place to his family who were the love of his life.  He was always available to them and continuously bragged about his children and grandchildren.  He taught them to have a strong work ethic and a love of life.  His mantra was, “It is nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice!”

Herb was a loyal and true friend.  He never had a bad word to say about anyone.  Friends were like family; you nurtured and cared for them.  Among his friends were many he had known since kindergarten.  He was in a gourmet dinner group for over 20 years, a theater group for over 25 years, and a Florida friends group for more than 20 years. 

His parents were original members of Temple Sinai in Cranston where he belonged for many years and celebrated life-cycle events.  Herb was a Boy Scout in Troop 2 East Greenwich, a member of the East Greenwich Jaycees and a former member of the East Greenwich Chamber of Commerce.  For 18 years, Herb and Judy volunteered for Jewish Family Service of South Palm Beach County, most recently at the Weisman Senior Center in Delray. 

Herb was the beloved father of Jenny Miller (Craig Koehler) of Warwick, Jared Fogel (Kelly) of Rehoboth, Massachusetts, and Molly Fisher (John) of New York City.  He was “Poppy” to Lucy and Lily Miller, Jax and Drew Fogel and Jack Fisher.

Contributions in his memory can be made to the East Greenwich Free Library, 82 Peirce St., East Greenwich, RI 02818 or the charity of your choice.

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