George Engel Obituary

George "Flash" L. Engel
.It is with great sadness, that we announce the passing of George "Flash" Engel, 92 of Norwalk.
He died on April 26, 2020 of complications of the COVID-19 virus. He was born in Bronx, NY and was the son of Fred and Mary Hartery Engel. Flash enlisted in the Army during the Korean Conflict and served from March 1951 to March 1953. During his time in the Army he served in the transportation and explosive divisions. After serving the Army he started his career as a truck driver for L.J. Gardella Transportation a family owned company in Norwalk for thirty plus years and where the nick name, "Flash" originated by the late Louie Gardella. Flash also was part of the Teamsters Union, local 191 for thirty years. Flash loved jazz music and his favorite artists were Count Basie, Buddy Rich, Louie Armstrong, and loved singing Frank Sinatra songs at his parties. He played drums at local clubs of Norwalk in the late 50's. Even in his last days he kept a good rhythm on his drum pad. Flash was also known for his holiday spirit as his Christmas decorations on the corner of Flax Hill Road, which made families stop and admire his winter wonderland, that people still remember to date. He also loved to exercise and spend time, poolside with family and friends during the summer months at the family home with great fun and great food prepared by his late wife Rosemary Damato Engel. He is predeceased by his late sister Dorothy and survived by his sister Gloria Bourgault. His children: son, Tom Engel his wife Patty; daughter, Barbara Engel and partner Carmen Parisi, and son, Joe Engel and partner Marta "Lisa" Calderon. His grandchildren: Dominic Cocchia Jr. and wife Tanya Cocchia; and Derek Engel. As well as several loving nieces and nephews.
Restrictions: Due to the COVID-19, a private graveside service will be held at St. John Cemetery Norwalk, CT, at 11AM on Friday, May 1. . To view the burial service, please go to link: http://client.tribucast.com/tcid/2329073
To leave an online condolence for his family, please visit: www.Magnerfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Hour on Apr. 28, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for George Engel

Sponsored by Magner Funeral Home, Inc. - Norwalk.

5 Entries

Adrienne Rothar

April 30, 2020

My sincere condolences to the whole family. I have fond memories of Uncle Larry pulling up in his rig to visit my mom and family when he was traveling on Long Island.
We were always grateful for the visits. I had the pleasure of seeing him play drums a few times when I was a kid. It was a great memory and he was really good! So sorry to hear about his passing.

Ralph Bourgault

April 30, 2020

Joey, Barbara and Tommy-

My sincere condolences on the loss of your Dad. He was a great uncle to the Bourgault family when we were kids. I have fond memories of Uncle Larry coming over on Christmas Eve dressed up as Santa and spreading the holiday cheer. When I was a young kid he took me with him to ride in his Gardella cab pulling a float in the Memorial Day parade. My brother Roger and I became drummers as a direct influence from Flash and his love of jazz and popular music. I will never forget him setting up a CB radio in our bedroom at home during the late 60's so we could talk to him and other truckers using his handle KBA-1655. He was always the life of the party and fun to be around at family get together's at Aunt Louise's in New York. I just visited him in January at Autumn Lakes and got him to sing his favorite Sinatra song The Summer Wind out loud in a visit with my Mom. He had a big smile on his face when we left. I will never forget him and regret that I will not be able to join you at his service.

May he Rest In Peace!

Ralph B.

melissa hill

April 29, 2020

To my Dearest Roaddog, Big Carm and Family, We are so so so sorry for your loss. Flash was a great guy and he passes that onto his daughter Barbara. We love you, Stay strong. Remember B "he only takes the best"

Florence stolba

April 28, 2020

Hi Barbara so sorry to hear about your Dad. I will always remember your Dad and Bob best pals together. I had so much fun listening to your Dad. He was quite the comedian. Bob and him ran Gardella it seemed. Two of the best drivers they had. Hope to catch up with you one of these days soon. Don't hesitate to get in touch. Love you, Flo.

Ed Isaacs

April 28, 2020

I'll miss "Flash". George Engel was a great man to talk to at Autumn Lake, where I work. If he needed help making a phone call, even to his friend Mr. Gardella in FL. I was happy to do that for him. And drums. He knew how to hold the drum sticks, a real pro. You will be missed, Flash.

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