BENNINGTON, Vt. — Frank Hogel, 96, a well-known banker and life-long resident of Bennington, Vt., died peacefully on May 5, 2016, at the Centers for Living and Rehabilitation, surrounded by his family.

Born in Bennington on December 16, 1919, he was the son of the late August and Helen Orth Hogel. Frank married the former Helen Louise Emmons on August 17, 1946, at the First Baptist Church in Bennington. He was a graduate of Bennington High School, class of 1937. He worked briefly at the Bennington Savings Bank and then worked at the County National Bank, beginning in 1938.

Frank served with the armed forces from February 25, 1942, to October 23, 1945, first with the Coast Artillery Barrage Balloon unit in San Diego, California, and then attending Pilot Training school. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant February 8, 1944, upon graduation from Air Corps Training School at Fort Sumner, N.M. From graduation until discharge, he served as pilot/instructor at Carlsbad, New Mexico, Army Air Corps Bombardiers/Navigator Training School. He was discharged at the end of WWII as a First Lieutenant in the US Air Corps. He served in the US Air Force Reserve for 20 additional years, retiring in the late 1960s with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Returning to the County National Bank (which later merged with Chittenden and is now People's United Bank) in 1945, Frank was at various times a teller, cashier, director and trust officer.

At the time of his retirement in October 1979, he was vice president and trust officer of the Chittenden Bank. He briefly served as treasurer of the Bennington Chapter of the Red Cross and treasurer of the Mt. Anthony Country Club, and for many years as treasurer of the Olin Scott Fund and was known to many young men in the area who were able to earn college degrees through the Fund's existence.

Frank graduated from Williams College School of Banking in June 1962. He was a member of the First Baptist Church and served in many capacities over the years as a Deacon, Trustee, and for more than 50 years volunteered as Treasurer and Financial Advisor of the church.

Frank was an avid golfer, a long-term member of the Mt. Anthony Country Club, and played in several leagues. He also enjoyed bowling and competed on two teams. Upon retirement in 1979, Frank and Helen began spending their winters on Sanibel Island, Fla., where they both enjoyed walking on the beach, bird watching along the Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge, and attending off-Broadway musicals. There was always room for family to visit.

In the summer, they stayed in Ocean Park, Maine. It was Frank's ultimate joy to body surf in the waves in Maine, especially after a hurricane. He had many golf friends in Vermont, Florida and Maine. Frank and Helen enjoyed spring and fall at their home in Bennington for the golf, playing bridge, and visiting friends and family. In all locations there was always a piano or a keyboard. He knew thousands of songs, and could play all without sheet music. He loved to collect record albums, and the house always had music.

Survivors include his wife, Helen E. Hogel of Bennington; two daughters and sons-in-law, Susan H. and Gary J. Serra, and Elizabeth H. (Betsy) and James E. Zimmerman; four grandsons, Adrian C. Davis, Patrick M. Davis and wife Kristen, Valentine R. (Val) Erb and wife Katherine Rebecca (Becca) and Robert G. Erb, Jr.; a granddaughter, Amanda A. Fertile and husband Dr. Jay C. Fertile; a step-granddaughter, Ashley R. Serra; five great grandchildren, Parker Boone and Jett Quinn Fertile, Addison Loralei Davis, Arthur Valentine and Ginger Clementine Erb; sister-in-law, Phyllis W. Hogel; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Frank was predeceased by brothers Arthur and Carl Hogel, and brother-in-law, Osborne (Doc) Gaines and sister-in-law Harriet Gaines.

Funeral notice: A funeral service was held at Hanson Walbridge & Shea Funeral Home, 213 West Main St., Bennington, Vt., on Monday May 9, 2016, at 2 p.m. Calling hours were Monday, May 9, from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Hanson-Walbridge & Shea Funeral Home.

Donations may be made in his memory to the First Baptist Church or the CLR Activities Fund, in care of Hanson-Walbridge & Shea Funeral Home, P.O. Box 957, Bennington, VT 05201.