In Memory of Christopher Frederick Vogel
It is with great sadness that we announce the unimaginable passing of Christopher Frederick Vogel, a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend. Christopher passed away on Friday, February 21, 2025, from a heart attack at the age of 48 in Florida.
Chris was born on August 16, 1976, in West Chester, Pennsylvania, to Barbara and Frederick Vogel, along with big sister Leigh. The Vogel family moved to Westfield, New Jersey, when Chris was three, where he spent his formative years and would meet his future wife. It was a great neighborhood for a baseball loving boy to grow up, with plenty of kids to play his favorite games, especially stickball and manhunt. Chris went on to play baseball and football at Westfield High School, winning the Union County Championship as the star pitcher his senior year. Chris continued his pitching career at Columbia University, where he graduated in 1998 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics.
Chris spent the early part of his business career in derivatives trading in New York and London. Eventually, he moved from financial services to his natural forte in sales, where he thrived. In addition to introducing investors to his clients through his many contacts, Chris helped bring the HashLynx story to many market players and helped introduce Bunsters Hot Sauces to the North American market. Throughout his career, Chris traveled the world far and wide, making many lifelong friends and attending numerous music concerts and festivals along the way.
Chris grew up around the corner from his future wife, Lauren Jill Baker; however, it was not until the summer of 2014 when they were married on the beach in Spring Lake, New Jersey, becoming partners in life. Chris’ devotion and love for Jill, their son Nels and daughter Lacy, were obvious to all. Around his kids, Chris was just another big kid — bantering with them, dreaming up fun activities, coaching and driving them to school, practices, games and playdates. Chris’ love for life was contagious. Chris was always willing to lend a helping hand, enjoy a good laugh, attend any live event, especially a Yankees game or a Phish concert, and share a wave, smile and a cold beer. Chris lived each day to the fullest and his heart was as big as his bigger-than- life personality. Chris was quick to say “I love you,” gave great big bear hugs, and will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.
Christopher is survived by his best friend and wife, Lauren Jill Baker-Vogel; son, Nels Baker Vogel; daughter, Lacy Joyce Vogel; mother, Barbara Wold Vogel; sister, Leigh DeMarco; half-sister, Lori Lugo, and his numerous nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles and cousins. Chris was predeceased by his father, Frederick Quirin Vogel.
In lieu of flowers and to celebrate Christopher’s love for baseball, please consider making a donation in Chris’ name to “Pitch In For Baseball & Softball” at www.pifbs.org.
A funeral service will be held Saturday, July 12, 2025, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., at Holy Trinity, 6 Osborn Avenue, Manasquan, New Jersey. An interment service will be Monday, July 14, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., at Fairview Cemetery, 1100 East Broad Street, Westfield, New Jersey.
June 26, 2025
