John F. Koagel, 81, of Syracuse, passed away peacefully on June 19, 2024 surrounded by loving friends.  

John retired as Director for the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance after 40 years of service.   After retirement, John also worked as a Practice Manager at Dryden.  John was a retired Sargent from the Army Reserves after 39 years of service.

John and his wife, Marge were volunteer wish granters with the Make A Wish Foundation of Northeast, New York.  John was a lifetime member of the John Venditti Italian American Post and loved his time there with friends who took the time to play “Wheel of Fortune “with him! John was also a member of The Pastimes Athletic Club.

John was very proud to have achieved a Hole-In- One at the Thendara Golf Club.

John was pre-deceased by his wife and love of his life Marjorie “ Marge” Koagel, brother Theodore “ Teddy” Koagel and parents Theodore Koagel and Margaret Grabowski Koagel.

John is survived by many special friends and The Wells family. Thank you to John’s caregiving team who became dear friends and family: Tammy Wiggins, Michael Barbato, Janiqua Davis, Michelle Pettit, Chase Wiggins and Taylor Wiggins. 

Thank you to the staff at Imperial Gardens for the assistance, smiles and jokes. Thank you to PB&J for always showing up with Johns favorite fish fry every Friday, he truly loved it. Thank you to Menorah Park for exceptional comfort care. 

Calling hours will be Thursday, June 27 from 5-8pm at the Goddard-Crandall-Shepardson Funeral Home.  Funeral services will be Friday at 11am at the funeral home with burial to follow in Assumption Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Make a Wish foundation. 

Online condolences, www.shepardsonfh.com.