Joseph Begel's Obituary
In Loving Memory of Joseph S. Begel
April 1, 1930 - February 14, 2025
It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Joseph S. Begel, a beloved family member, friend, and member of the Palm Beach community who departed this world peacefully on February 14, 2025.
Born on April 1, 1930, in Newark, NJ, Joe was the cherished only child of Alton and Minnie Begel. From a young age, he exhibited a keen intellectual curiosity, a generous spirit, and a love of sports and the outdoors that defined his journey.
Joe was a three sport athlete at Waynesboro College in Pennsylvania where he earned his B.S. in Natural Science before earning an M.S. in Microbiology at Rutgers University. He served two years in the U.S. Army Chemical Corps during the Korean War before dedicating his professional life to microbiology with companies such as Squibb and Cooper Pharma before joining the State of Florida’s OSHA Division.
In July of 1957, Joe married the love of his life and bride of 58 years, Abby R. Zimmer, and together they built a life around raising their children, enjoying vibrant friendships, and traveling the world. Joe was happiest spending time with his lifelong friends from Hillside, NJ and the Jersey shore playing baseball, fishing, watching sports, and enjoying time at the beach. He leaves behind a legacy of cherished memories.
Joe is survived by his three daughters, Jennifer S. Riggle (Darren Blaine), Nancy E. Phillips (Guymon), Andrea D. Tullos (Gavin), and his two grandsons Matthew & Alexander Riggle. The family is particularly grateful for the loving care and support Joe & Abby received from the staff and their friends at Mangrove Bay in Jupiter, where they enjoyed the last decade of their time with us. Though he is no longer with us in body, Joe’s spirit will continue to guide and inspire all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Loggerhead Marinelife Center (https://marinelife.org) in Jupiter, Florida in his honor.
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