Joseph Engel, Water Facilities Engineer, 82

Joseph Engel, 82, formerly a resident of Rocky Hill and Montgomery Township, died on March 5 in Saxtons River, Vermont. He fought a 16-month battle with pancreatic cancer.

Joseph was also a designer of water treatment facilities for a firm in Princeton.

Joseph was born at home to George B. Engel and Edna Ashbridge Engel on March 8, 1937, in the coal region of Pennsylvania. Following the death of his father at an early age, his mother moved her growing family to New Jersey, where she lived the rest of her life. After beginning his education in the local elementary school in Rocky Hill, he attended the Milton Hershey Industrial School in Hershey, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Milton Hershey in 1955 with a certification in the field of meat preparation.

In 1956, he married his first wife and the mother of his children and began his quest of 11 years to obtain his bachelor's degree in engineering at Drexel University. His engineering career began at Ditmars & Carmichael in Princeton, where, over a number of years, he designed wastewater and water facilities in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.

In 1977, he and his second wife moved to Maine where he worked for Wright Pierce in Topsham, Maine, and again, was instrumental in the design of many treatment facilities throughout New England.

His last move was to Vermont, where he completed his engineering career with Dufresne Henry in North Springfield. During that time, he and his wife lived in Saxtons River, and much of his spare time was involved with the Saxtons River trustees for several years, including his term as chairman.

One of his greatest joys was the time he spent at the family home at Coles Pond, Vermont, where he and his granddaughter, Samantha, spent several years volunteering for the state as water-quality monitors for the lake. He was active in the formation and workings of the Eastern Avenue Property Owners Association, serving for several years as the organization’s treasurer.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his siblings: George Engel, Ervin Engel, Charles Engel, Dorothy Mae Van Alstyne, Earl McDonald, John McDonald, and Samuel McDonald; and an infant son, Derek.

He is survived by his wife Anita and their blended family: Michael Engel (Jayne); Michelle Mistretta (Vincent); Jeffrey Mount (Julie); Stanley Mount; and Amy Lavertue (Kevin McNamara).

Also surviving are two brothers: Robert Engel (Rose) and David Foley (Beverly); as well as sisters-in-law, Clarissa McDonald and Patricia Engel. He was the proud grandfather of 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Other survivors include his first wife, Myrtle Swanson (Bob); his God-daughter, Cammy Reger; and numerous nieces and nephews.

MEMORIAL INFORMATION: At his request, there will be no funeral services. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.