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Dr. Robert Francis Engs

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College of William and Mary University of Pennsylvania

FUNERAL HOME

Bucktrout of Williamsburg Funeral Service

4124 Ironbound Road

Williamsburg, Virginia

Robert Engs Obituary

WILLIAMSBURG - Dr. Robert Francis Engs, 69, passed away on Monday, January 14, 2013. A long-time history professor at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA, he most recently served as a Visiting Distinguished Professor of History at the College of William and Mary.Proceeded in death by his father, Robert Nathaniel Engs. His survivors include his son: Robert Nathaniel Engs II; mother: Myrtle Coger Engs; A public viewing will be held Friday, January 18, 2013 from 5-7 p.m. at the Bucktrout Funeral Home, 4124 Ironbound Road, Williamsburg, VA. Memorial services will be conducted Saturday, January 19, 2013 at 10 a.m. at St. Martin's Episcopal Church, 1333 Jamestown Road, Williamsburg, VA.In lieu of flowers, please contribute to an organization of your choice that benefits at-risk youth.View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.

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Published by Daily Press on Jan. 17, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Engs

16 Entries

William Raasch

October 5, 2024

I met Robert at the American Army independent high school in Frankfurt, Germany when we were both 14 years of age and sophomores. He was the antithesis of all I had heard from both mildly and overtly bigoted people in my limited world growing up.
I "googled" Robert a few years before I learned of his death and was delighted to see that my 14-year-old's assessment of his campaign for class president and his character were accurate. I'm 81 now and happy that meeting Robert influenced my understanding of racial differences.

February 2, 2013

Dear Mrs. Engs,
I'm so sorry for your loss.
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope, such as when you and Doctor Engs surprised me with a wonderful bottle of JOY Perfume instead, when I would not take payment for babysitting your son on several occasions.
Remembering you and Dr. Engs today and always. He was a very good man and great professor.
My condolences to you and sour son.
Sincerely,

Nicole Antoine
PENN
SAMP-OT '76

Derek B

January 24, 2013

I was an incredibly average student while studying under Bob at Penn between 2003 and 2007. Despite my mediocrity as a historian in training, i had the great fortune of befriending Bob over the years and took just about every class or seminar that he taught. I'll forever remember having lunch and drinks with him on my last day before moving out of Philadelphia, and will forever remember Bob as both my favorite professor and a friend. I had not spoken with Bob in over two years and, unfortunately, only found out about his passing when i was trying to reach out to him. I wish i could have had one more lunch with him. I will definitely always remember Bob whenever i think about my time at Penn. I know that is the case for more than a few students as we saw at his retirement festivities a few years ago at Penn.

Thanks for everything, Dr. Engs. You'll be missed.

My condolences to family.

Sincerely,
Derek B
CAS '07

Veda McMullen

January 19, 2013

Dear Barb, so very sorry to hear of your lost. May the love of friends and family carry you through this difficult time. Veda

Mary Minor

January 19, 2013

Dear Mrs Engs, Barbara,Robert Joy&Leah,

So surprised to heat of Robert's passing. Your are in my thoughts and prayers. My sincerest sympathy to you as you grieve your lost

January 19, 2013

Dear Barb, We are so sorry for your lost. Please know that we are praying for you and your family and here for you. Love, Val & Allen

Sherman Dorn

January 18, 2013

When I was his T.A. in spring 1989, Bob turned out to be the only faculty member at Penn who really took the time to mentor me in my role as a teacher, beyond my other role as a student in graduate classes. In the late 1980s, his courses in the Civil War and post-war South were popular among white fraternity members at Penn, and I vividly remember students hanging on his every word, as he would say incredibly provocative things (well, provocative historical interpretations) in his quiet, low voice.

I am lucky to have known Bob, and I will miss him both as a scholar and as a human being .

Loretta Rooker

January 18, 2013

My dear friend Myrtle, I was so sad to hear today of Robert's passing. You and your family are in my heart and prayers.

Scott Butler

January 18, 2013

On behalf of Citizens for a Fort Monroe National Park, I would like to express our sympathy to Dr. Engs' family. We were privileged to hear Dr. Engs speak and to speak with him on several occasions. He was truly a gentleman and a scholar, and his advocacy for Fort Monroe's national significance, based on his deep knowledge of its history, played an enormous role in increasing the public's awareness of the historic site. We will always be grateful to him.

mark perreault

January 18, 2013

I did not know Dr. Engs well but was honored to meet him and hear him speak regarding the Contrabands decision of 1861 and the role of those brave enslaved Americans in ending slavery and changing the focus of the Civil War. He has left us too soon, as warm, powerfully intelligent men like him are too few. God bless him and his family!

Paul Crapol

January 18, 2013

Many fond memories of Bob. Rest in peace.

Carolyn Baker

January 17, 2013

Our Williamsburg residents and the College of William and Mary are going to miss your contributions to society. Your legacy will forever be with us. To your Family, God is Glorious, and may he bless and keep you!

quovadis wright

January 17, 2013

you are in my prayers,to the Family.he has contributed greatly to our understanding our history .we thank him for his work

Tommy Bogger

January 17, 2013

To the Family of Robert Francis Engs:

As a longtime friend who shared a common interest in history with Bob, I am saddened to hear of his passing. Please accept my condolences.

Dr. Colita Fairfax

January 17, 2013

To hear that one who contributed to significantly to accurately written scholarship about Black people in the state of Virginia, has been set free from physical pain both saddens me, yet feels my heart with joy that he is in eternity. He and I talked often, as he was a gentle giant of a mentor, who supported accurate and responsible work. To Mrs. Engs and young Mr. Engs, God bless you as you remember your loved one. Know that he achieved greatness and was so wonderfully loved.

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