Obituary published on Legacy.com by Egan-Ryan Funeral Service – Central Chapel on Jul. 13, 2026.Dr. Thomas T. Vogel,M.D., PhD, FACS, prominent Catholic physician and civic-minded leader, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2026 at age 92.
Thomas cherished his children, grandchildren, cousins and particularly his wife of over sixty years, Darina. As strong as his wit and humor was, hers was stronger and it made their union special.
They met through a mutual friend in Columbus, continued their courtship in Washington D.C. where she worked for the World Bank and he was in medical school, and ultimately wed where Darina was born, Dublin, Ireland in May 1965. Darina was Tom’s touchstone and greatest joy in life, the person with whom he wanted to be with most and whose hand he continued to reach for first in his final months.
Dr. Tom was a student at St Charles Preparatory and graduated from Holy Rosary High School, College of the Holy Cross (Classics and Pre-Med), The Ohio State University (MSc Endocrinology, PhD Cardiovascular Physiology), and Georgetown Medical School (MD).
Medicine was truly a vocation for Dr. Vogel, he practiced General Surgery for over thirty years at Mt. Carmel Health and University Hospital East, and held the roles of Chair of Surgery, Chairman Clinical Departments Council, Chair Research Committee and Institutional Review Board during his career. He shared a professional partnership with his close friend, Dr. Patrick Creedon. Dr. Vogel believed his medical training-and perhaps a bit of adhesive-could fix almost any organic ailment.
Thomas was also a passionate reader and a staunch supporter of both The Ohio State Football team and the Democratic Party. He was also an advocate of many organizations in various roles: Lifelong parishioner, Council Member, Eucharistic Minister of St Catharine Catholic Church, Bexley, OH; member of the Whitehall Bexley Rotary Club, Chairman of Board of Advisors of St Joseph Montessori School, Society of St Vincent De Paul, Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, Scotty’s Cafe Breakfast Club and a Founding Member of the Bexley Militia.
His social circle was as unique as his personality, unevenly balanced and heavily weighted to ordained ministers and members of religious orders – which may explain how he received Last Rites a minimum of four times.
Thomas was a lifelong diarist, though his commitment to the written word was matched by his classic “doctor’s handwriting”. His diaries remained so illegible that even he could not decipher them.
Tom is preceded in death by his parents: Dr. Thomas A. Vogel M.D. and Charlotte A. Hogan Vogel J.D. Step-siblings Col. Frank Vogel, Dr. Robert Vogel M.D., Thomas A. Vogel, John Vogel, and Mary Louise Connors.
He is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Darina, children: Thomas T Jr, of New York, Catherine D. of Columbus, Mark P. (Laura) of London, UK and Nicola Ciaschini (Michael) of Hampton, NH. and grandchildren – to whom he is affectionately known as “Pops”: Vivienne, Caroline, Rory, Lachlan, Lucan, Conall and Mariella.
He will be remembered for his legacy of scholarship, faith, love, and his ability to find humor in every chapter of life.
Friends and family may call Wednesday, July 29 from 4:00 p.m – 7:00 p.m. at Egan-Ryan Funeral Home, 403 E. Broad Street. Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, July 30 at 10:30 a.m. St. Catharine Church, 500 S. Gould Rd. Graveside Service afterwards at St. Joseph Cemetery 6440 S. High St., Rt. 23 S. Lockbourne, OH 43137.
Attendees are requested to not wear black to visitation or services.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Society of St. Vincent De Paul: www.svdpcolumbus.org/donate.
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