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Herbert “Herb” Fogel, 79, of Narragansett, Rhode Island and Delray Beach, Florida, passed away on Monday, 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 2 years, before joining the family business, Brown Tailors and Cleaners in East Greenwich, where he worked for 34 years before 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 with his wife by his side, Herb, told everyone that he visited and toured 6 continents and over 80 countries! Travel however, took second place to his family, the loves 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. To Herb, friends were like family; you nurtured and cared for them. Among his friends were many he had known since kindergarten. He was in gourmet dinner group for over 20 years, a theater group for over 25 years, and Florida friends 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, Mass., and Molly Fisher (John) of New York City. He was “Poppy” to Lucy and Lily Miller, Jax and Drew Fogel, and Jack Fisher.
Services were held June 2 at Temple Beth-El in Providence.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory can be made to the East Greenwich Free Library, or to the charity of your choice.
You can leave an online condolence at the funeral home HERE.
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I was oh so sorry to hear this news. Knew Herb ( I knew him as Buzz back then ) for most of his life. Another
part of the fabric of what we knew here in East Greenwich has been ripped away.
My wife and I send condolences to his wife and family. They are in our prayers.
I knew Buzzy from early childhood. Our mothers were friends and volunteers for everything as all our mothers were in old East Greenwich. Sorry to hear of his passing. My condolences to his wife and children.
Dear Judy and family, We are so very sorry to hear the sad news. We fondly remember meeting you & Herb at child birth classes when you were pregnant with Jenny and us with David! We have such wonderful memories being invited to your beautiful home in East Greenwich where you were the ultimate host and hostess! Also all the fun times going to the Academy Players and seeing such wonderful plays. We loved talking to Herb at Brown’s and catching up on the latest news. May the love of family and friends as well as wonderful memories sustain you in your sorrow. You are in our thoughts and prayers. With sincere sympathy, Ilene & Peter Hoffmann
He was a great man. I belonged to a Masonic girls organization and we had to wear formal gowns. Once he found out we wore them 3-4 a month and sometimes more he felt bad he had been charging us wedding gown pricing for a long time. After that he found another category to charge all of us girls under. That gesture made an impression on all of us. My condolences to your family on his passing.