Joel Gary Engelman

Engelman, Joel Gary
died on August 07, 2009. He was born in Rockford, Illinois, March 10, 1944. He was surrounded by loving family and friends. As his brother, I am fascinated and impressed in reading the few obituaries I have, of the heroic deeds of the soldiers [men and women] who displayed great courage and valor during war and received awards while alive and some only after death. Joel enlisted in the "army of life" and had a wonderful family and friends. He was on routine patrol alone, doing his duty by working hard and supporting his family when around the age of 30 he was ambushed by an enemy as ruthless and cruel as any enemy ever; severe mental illness. He was severely wounded and struggled over the years to survive and return to normal. He did not complain. As he was fighting his mental illness wounded and weakened, he was again attacked by another cruel enemy: diabetes. Mortally injured he fought on to survive loss of feeling in his feet, fractured bones, heart disease, severe decrease in vision and being essentially wheel chair bound. Yet he never complained. He fought and fought and fought to survive and then exhausted from fighting so long and hard, he died. Like a brave soldier, he showed his valor and bravery alone, protecting those close to him by showing love and caring and never complaining. His posthumous award is leaving behind loving friends and family who are left with his legacy of bravery and love in a life lived, certainly far beyond the call of duty. Joel is survived by his loving sister; Judy Engelman MD, brother; Mark Engelman MD, brother in law; Harry Rubinoff, daughters Joanna Engelman and Allison Goldstein, son in law; Kevin Goldstein and his beautiful granddaughter Charlotte Goldstein who he died too soon to meet. Special thanks to the angels who lovingly and tenderly cared for Joel the last few years of his life at Maryland Garden Assisted Living in Phx, Az. Donations can be sent to Natl. Alliance on Mental Illness 1-888-999-6264 or Kivel Campus of Care 3020 N. 36th Street Phx, Az. 85018-6998.