John Frederick Biegel

John F. Biegel, age 83, of Blue Point passed peacefully on January 29th surrounded by his family. John led a truly amazing life of service. His early childhood was spent in foster care, and he left school at age 16 to join the US Army. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned home to Long Island. Through a series of fortunate events, in 1967 he began working at the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind in Smithtown, first as an apprentice trainer, moving through the ranks as a trainer, then instructor, and finishing his career as Director of Training. During that time, he trained hundreds of people to trust their guide dogs as their second sight.

It was there he met Emily, the love of his life. They were together for 46 years and did everything together. They loved spending time with each other, their family, their many Labrador Retrievers and Norwegian Forest cats.

John is survived by his wife and soulmate, Emily, his children, Kord Biegel and wife, Corinne, of Ridge, Simone Donlon, and husband, Joe, of Ronkonkoma, Caroline Westervelt and husband Bill Rostock, of Stuart, FL, and Amy Verschure and husband Jim, of Bayport, his eight grandchildren, Catryna, Brittney (Nic), Kristopher (Elle), JP, Matt, Kate, Jessie and Megan, as well as his great-grandson, Jace, his brother-in-law Bob Strauss and wife Linda, of Bohemia, and innumerable friends and colleagues. He was predeceased by his father, John, his mother, Marion, and his brother, Arthur as well as his step-father, Samuel Birnbaum.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a charity of your choice.
Visitation for John will be held on January 31, 2023 between the hours of 4:00-8:00pm at Moloney’s Bohemia Funeral Home.