Gilroy Comes Together to Mourn One of Its Own

On the morning of David Vogel’s funeral, Gilroy was experiencing the kind of weather that the 40-year-old man loved: Gray skies outside meant a warm evening inside, spent next to the robust fires that coworkers said he was known for.

Even with the addition of extra chairs, dozens of people who attended the service at South Valley Community Church on Saturday had to stand. The fluorescent jackets of Vogel’s coworkers in Gilroy’s operations department stood out, bright pockets in the hundreds-strong group.

“Every one of you here has a different story to tell about David," said Pastor Greg Quirke. "That’s the incredible beauty of life.”

One of three chaplains shared by Gilroy’s police and fire departments, Quirke was solemn as he recalled being among the first on the scene after a van struck Vogel while he was on a job for the city on Monday, ending his life.

The tragedy sent shock waves through Gilroy, the city where Vogel was born and raised. Vogel had graduated from Gilroy High School and worked for the last 14 years as a maintenance worker for the city.

“Gilroy is not the small town that it used to be, but it’s hard to find someone that didn’t know David or his parents,” said Joe Kline, city spokesman, in an interview this week with Gilroy Patch.

Friends and family spoke in support of Vogel’s reputation as a dedicated friend, devoted father and unique thinker. In attendance were the many people who had known, coached, worked with and loved the man over his life.

“Celebration might seem like an oxymoron, but to anyone who knew David—celebration is very fitting,” said Quirke.

A huge procession left the church afterward, lead by city maintenance, police and fire vehicles.

Click here for a link to David Vogel's obituary.