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Howard Engle Obituary

Dr. Howard A. Engle, the veteran Miami Beach pediatrician who lent his name to a landmark class action suit against Big Tobacco, died Wednesday at home, said son David Engle. He was 89 and suffered from smoking-related respiratory disease and lymphoma.

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Published by the Miami Herald from Jul. 23 to Jul. 28, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Howard Engle

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Elaine Kassin

March 15, 2024

Dr. Engle was my pediatrician. He was an excellent doctor and a kind man. I will always remember him and his practice

Peggy Bieley, my Mother and me. She took me to see Dr. Engle is the Giller building on Miami Beach when I was a child.

Harlan Bieley

March 20, 2020

Howard Engle was my pediatrician. I am now a doctor and have a US Patent that deals with tobacco smoking and secondhand smoke exposure. I learned of his battle with big tobacco after his passing. I dedicated my powerpoint presentation to my wonderful doctor with the purple lollipops waiting for me on the way out of the office, Howard Engle.

Victoria Sherman

October 25, 2018

Dr Engle literally saved my little boys life. I could never repay him for all he did. Forever in my heart.

evelyn radi

October 7, 2015

To my Dearest Dr Engle . He was friends with my mother and in the delivery room when i was born im now 52 years old He saved my life and my sons life and gave my daughter a clean bill of health. He was tough at times but honest he was loud but loving god ill never forget him . When he retired I was saden but he deserved the rest . my son had a rare condition hypogammaglobonima he descovered it cured it . when no other doctors could. My son is 34 now with 4 kids of his own none of us would be here if it wasnt for howie. God bless his family . now hes in heaven but never will he be forgotton. I love you Dr Howard Engle

Gibbs Williams

January 22, 2010

To all of the Engle Family,
Dr. Engle, Howie, the man with the barking dogs next to our house who drove my father mad, the warm always inviting neighbor who was always unconditionally accepting when I felt totally alone, unloved, and deeply troubled - the wise man, the fearless fighter, the intense liver of a full life - I won't miss him as he is and will always be in me forever.

Cricket Riggins

August 9, 2009

I just heard of the news about his death. My name is Lesli Riggins aka: "Cricket Ellis" when he treated me 43 years ago and cured me of my cancer "Ewing's Sarcoma" as a benchmark case who put his medical license on the line for my cause, and who co-wrote an article in the medical journal. I was the only patient invited inside his home and picked my kitty "Kousy" from his cat's litter and he also gave me my first bottle of perfume because he wanted to be the first man to give me perfume. My parents and I were very grateful to get to know this amazing man and Dr! He will be deeply missed and I loved him very much.
I am now 49 years old with a wonderful husband who has parents who also owe a world of gratitude to him. I live in Nashville, Tn now and always remember him as my favorite Dr and he will always hold a special place in my heart.

Thinking of him today, I loved him very much. My parents and brothers and my sister will always think of him and will always be very grateful as saving my life so that I can write this today. My home number is 615-889-2391 and my cell 615-727-2727.

Love always,
Cricket and husband Phillip, Carolyn Ellis, Nathan Ellis, Candy and Tim Baranski, Chuck and Sally Ellis Jenks and Art and Sue Ellis Trebach.

Lana Bucher

August 6, 2009

How I will miss Howie. All he did for me and for everyone else. They just dont make them like that anymore. He was a one of a kind who was truely a dr not for the money but for how he could help. The world is left with one less great man.

August 1, 2009

We remeber you fondly for loving care of our 4 children starting in 1951.
Rita and Jerry Cohen

Leonard Wolfson

July 30, 2009

There's an acronym in the computer world, WYSIWYG, pronounced 'wizziwig' which stands for "what you see is what you get". I have had the honor of being Howard's friend and neighbor for more than 20 years and I can assure you that Howard was most certainly WYSIWYG. He was a kind and caring man who, on occasion, could ruffle a few feathers with his blunt and sometimes brutal honesty. In my final analysis, he was a caring, giving person who was pure of heart. I am saddened by his passing, but grateful to have known him and to count him among my friends.

Valerie Preston Mercado

July 27, 2009

To the Engle Family,
Growing up on Miami Beach everybody knew everybody and believe me everybody knew Dr. "Howie" Engle. He was an amazing doctor and I could not have imagined anyone else taking care of me, my brother and my sister. In the days when doctors made housecalls, he always came immediately. His gruff bedside manner always had me feeling better because he always had a twinkle in his eye and you knew it was just his way. When I turned 22 he told me it was time to find another doctor more suited to my age. To this day I am hard pressed to find a doctor that really cares about his patients. Dr. Engle loved all of the kids and his office staff was just as wonderful.

He will be sorely missed and I thank him from the bottom of my heart for being there when he was needed.

Much love to you Dr.Engle

Deanna Preston

July 27, 2009

As your announcement said, Dr. Engle certainly was a revered pediatrician. I met him in 1959 under emergency conditions where he tried to save my newborn baby. He continued to take care of all my "babies"-not just the time when they would need a pediatrician, but was an adviror all of their lives. I was able to turn to him with a problem, too.

The world is a lesser place without "Howie" and, unfortunately, I don't think we will see the likes of him again.

God bless you, Dr. Engle. You certainly deserve the chair of honor in heaven for all the comfort and help you gave to so many.

July 27, 2009

Dear Brooke, David, Jon and Alison,
Howie is at peace at last. Now, I wish peaceful thoughts for you in this tough time. These letters are an amazing testament to a great man. He and your family have always meant so much to mine. My thoughts are with you, and I hope to see you soon,
Lee Fryd

July 26, 2009

Our family would like to offer our deepest sympathies and prayers to the entire Engle family. Please know that we lost our father to tobacco lung cancer in 1996, and because of Dr. Engle's great David and Goliath efforts that at least brought great awareness to all the families concerned. He touched and healed many many lives, and he was a Godsend to us all who will be very missed.
John Lafferty, IV., M.D. and Family

Lloyd and Virginia Goldman

July 26, 2009

Please accept our sympathy for your loss. Howie has often been in our thoughts. He was certainly a forthright person, but always honest in his opinions and behavior. We trusted him in the care of our son, and he never let us down! We will miss him.

Dr. Lloyd and Virginia Goldman

Todd Preston

July 26, 2009

My deepest condolences to the Engle family.Less than a week ago, I was telling our Navy Surgeon or "Doc" about my pediatrican Dr. Engle (who my mom called "Howie" Engle)and it is a funny story of a visit when I was a boy but cannot be repeated here due to some profanity invloved when Dr. Engle explained to me in his gruff but loveable manner just exactly a bowel movement was in not so plain english. My family was truly blessed to have him as our Pediatrician who was not only our Doctor, but a friend, advisor, and confidant. God bless you Dr. Engle and thank you for always being there for me and my sisters when we were kids and sometimes as adults.

Barbara Zohlman

July 26, 2009

Dear Brook, Ali, Jon and David, Growing up with Ali gave us a special opportunity to meet and spend time with your dad and Brook.Just hanging out at your house was a learning experience we will never forget. From the collections to the conversations we always came away with new knowledge and a new perspective. Howard has left a mark on this community that has touched hundreds if not thousands of lives. Eeach of you have played a role in his acheievements.No man or women can accomplish great deeds without the help and support of those around them. It is usually those individuals who are the unsung heros. We love you and prayer that the future for you all brings you good memories and love and happiness. Barbara and Steve Zohlman

Randy Carter

July 26, 2009

Dear Esther, Alison, Jon and David;

What a lovely tribute to see so many fond letters in memory of Howard. I am blessed to have known him and the four of you also. As a child and now again as an adult your home has always felt warm, welcoming and comfortable. May peace and tranqility surround each of you during this time of Howard's transition into the next dimension. His human presence will be greatly missed. His spiritual essence will be with you forever.

Please receive this in love representing the entire family of Astor's and Carter's, present and past.

Renee Jackson (Trooper)

July 25, 2009

To the family of Dr Engle,
You have my deepest sympathy and know that you will always be in my prayers. Dr Engle was an inspiration and a mentor to me. He was the first doctor I remember ever going to and it was in Liberty City. I continued to see him until I was 35 years old they had to literally throw me out of the office and give me my file. I loved him and trusted him that much. I could always get the truth from him and I loved that too.

Thank you Dr. Engle I'm going to miss you.

karen Fryd

July 25, 2009

My beloved Dr. Engle meant so much to me and my family...since I was 6 months old my parents bought me and my brothers from Colombia to have all our vaccines with Dr. Engle. Dr. Engle "fired" me as a patient when I delivered my first son at Mt Sinai at age 27, and I claimed him as my primary Doctor. Well he still was my doctor even if he denied it. No desicion was made without him. (That included family issues which included my husband who was also his patient!) He was tough when needed to be, but was truly a teddy bear! To us he was a Grandfather! When Dr. Engle retired formally from his practice we decided to throw him a party. It was a festive day, but then many patients started coming to the podium and speaking. Many parents of diabled children spoke with tears as they stated that without Dr. Engles help and support their children would not have had many chances. There was not a dry eye in the room, and Dr. Engle was choked up but still managed to "bark" out that they were the most wonderful children ever! He was incredibly modest about all his contributions. Now that I take my children to the office I can still imagine him there with his big smile...you are in our hearts forever..all our love...Karen, Jonathan, Alexander, Jeremy and sabine Fryd.

Carol Fryd

July 25, 2009

Dear Brooke, Alison, Jon and David,
Howie was a wonderful doctor and the dearest of friends. I treasured his advice and friendship over the years. I think my son Jon and my daughter in law Karen must have been his oldest patients . They never wanted to go to another "grown-up" doctor. He threw Karen out of the office when she was pregnant with Alexander or she would never have left! I am honored that he was Alexander's Godfather. I loved him as I do you Brooke and all your children. It is the end of an era.

Dr. Kip and Barbara Amazon

July 25, 2009

We extend our sympathy to you, in the loss of Dr. Engle. He was a dedicated doctor, really caring for his patients, a good man, and neighbor here on the Islands. He knew how to stand up for important causes, and was appreciated.
He will be missed.

Sincerely,

Dr. Kip and Barbara Amazon

Nancy Meltzer-Weber

July 25, 2009

To the Dr. Engle Family,

I guess my family and I could call it an honor to be treated by Dr. Engle.

We met Dr. Engle in 1949. At the time he was partners with a Dr. Marx. Dr. Marx treated my sister with her respiratory condtions. I was lucky enough to get Dr. Engle who treated my epileptic condition. Thankfully, I outgrew it. But never outgrew Dr. Engle. Who could. He was a "Doctor to Love.

I still went and called him into adulthood. When I lost my first job and was depressed, Mom said, let's go see Dr. Engle. He was busy, but always made time. He gave me two thoughts: 1, that I would in time, find a position that I would love and they would love me. 2) That, "life is one long line of miserable experiences and the faster I learned to accept that, the better off I would be. So, they were both true. This is one of those miserable expierences saying Good Bye to such a special person.

The family can be very proud that this was their husband and Father. That though he treated hundreds of thousands of patients, he would never be forgotten.

My husband and I left the Greater Miami area in 1992.. My husband never stopped hearing about Dr. Engle. Dr. Engle was human, in that, he smoked. Your family should be glad that he lived this long and that he left such a sterling legacy.. Thank you for sharing him with me and all of his other patients.. You can be so very proud.

With Sympathy,

Lois Corwin

July 25, 2009

Dear Brooke and Family,

When I was 19, I was hired by Dr. Engle as a newly graduated medical technician. It was my first paying job and I loved it. Dr. Engle showed me by example what extraordinary patient care was all about. My husband and I moved to NY, then returned to Miami Beach so he could attend the University of Miami. Our oldest son Rick was born at Mt. Sinai Hospital and joined the legions of pediatric patients tended to by Dr. Engle. I re-joined Drs. Engle, Grossman and Friedman's practice (also known as Drs. E,F,and G) once again during those 4 yrs. After my husband graduated, we moved to Clearwater, FL.

Years later, we had a concern about our infant daughter's development. Without hesitation, we took her to see Dr. E who took one look at her and made a diagnosis. He suggested we get a 2nd opinion at Shands Hospital in Gainesville, which we did. After much testing over a period of a week or so, the physician's there concurred with Dr. Engle.....only Dr. Engle made his diagnosis without the benefit of one test!.

We send our thoughts and prayers to you all... I will always remember Dr. Engle for his dedication, his spirit, his awesome professional and personal presence, and his friendship. G-d bless.

Fondly,

Lois (Cantor) and Richard Corwin
.

Rick Freedman

July 24, 2009

To the Engle family:

He was my pediatrician in the 1960's and 70's and I remember him well. I always thought that my parents must have been related to him because of the way he treated me and my sister and how he interacted with my mom and dad. Now I know he was that way with all of his patients.

I am now an attorney and I followed the Engle case closely.

The Engle family has much to be proud of today for the lasting positive memories all of his patients have taken with them throughout the years and for the case against the tobacco company,

God bless Howard Engle.

Beverly Martin

July 24, 2009

To the Family,
I extend my deepest sympathy in the loss of Dr. Engle.My prayers are with you in your hours of bereavment.I did not get to meet him personally.I can see by the words that are written he loved people and left lasting memories in the hearts of those that passed his way.Thanks for the time he was here.
God Bless you all,

Linda Felton

July 24, 2009

To the Engle family-
Doc Engle was a man of integrity with the highest regard for his patients and their families. He navigated us through many crises and was ALWAYS available to us, whether it was at 2 AM or 4PM. HE will live on in our hearts forever.

With love-
Linda, Ron, Josh ( and Arielle) Felton

July 24, 2009

Hi Mrs. Engle I will never forget Dr. Engle,. It was a pleasure to work with him. We had some memorable ,moments. I thought my son was so beautiful when he was born, Dr. E, said"he looks like a little rat". I will never forget those words. I will treasure the time we had with him at all our picnics and
holiday gatherings. Rest In Peace Dr. E, you will truely be missed.
Deepest Regards, Your Favorite Receptionist.
Leslie Smith
Miami,Florida

Bo and Sandra Rose

July 24, 2009

We left Miami in 1987 when our daughter was 9 years old. That didn't stop us from regarding Howard as "our" pediatrician. For several years we always called Howard to confirm a diagnosis made by other pediatricians. The calls eventually ceased, but our comparison of him to all other doctors of all specialties continues to this day. He was truly an icon of medicine as it should be. Over the years we have recalled Howard's booming voice and forthrightness with great affection and humor. In Howard ,those were characteristics of love and intelligence which greatly comforted fretful parents. Not to be forgotten was Howard's love and respect for animals. That was completely compatible with his instinct to protect the voiceless on this Earth. We will continue to love him and think of him often, but somehow life will seem less secure without Howard to call for an opinion.

Jeannine Sarmiento

July 24, 2009

My deepest sympathy to Mrs. Engle, Jon, Alison and David, Your husband and father was not only a great healer, but also a gifted teacher. Miami Beach is a better place for those he has touched.

Margarita Fernandez

July 24, 2009

Words can not express the sadness after I find out the news of Dr. Engle passed away.
As a mother of one of his patients(46 yrs. old), I will never forget him, his advice understanding and his true dedication to his work.My deepest sympathy to all his family.

Lisa rolling

July 24, 2009

May God bless His eternal Light upon you always. Your work here on earth was a good journey. Helping mankind. May your journey continue always with everlasting love for mankind.

Lisa

Mary Jane Hunt

July 24, 2009

As the daughter of one of the Engle Trust Fund beneficiaries, my family and I want to extend our deepest sympathy to Dr. Engle's family. We are so grateful for all of his dedication and assistance to smokers and former smokers and are truly saddened by this tremendous loss. Please know that our thoughts are with you and that we will never forget Dr. Engle. With sincere sympathy, Mary Jane Hunt

Joan Lang

July 24, 2009

I was one of Dr. Engle's first patients in Miami Beach and he was my doctor through the measels,mumps & chicken pox. During a hurricane I was running a fever of 103 and Dr. Engle paid a housecall. I remember the swimmers that I used to watch at the Albion Hotel while waiting for the elevator. Dr. Engle was present throughout my childhood and I will miss him.

David Werner

July 24, 2009

Dear Brooke, David, Jon , and Allison,

On behalf of all the nieces, nephews, and cousins, we send our love and sympathies to you. May Uncle Howie's memories be a comfort to you and all of his extended family.

Joe Ankus

July 24, 2009

I saw the sad news that "Dr. Howie" passed away...he was my doctor since birth until I was about 20 years old. He was larger than life, a family friend, former fishing companion, and a true icon of Miami Beach. Words can't describe how I will miss him and his unique style of patient care. He loved, and was loved, by all. May G-d bless you Dr. Engle and your family as well. You were one of a kind and I am grateful to have had you in my life.

Robert dIRNFELD

July 24, 2009

Its a tragedy to the kids of the world, a doctor and man like him is impossible to replace.He saved my life. May he rest in peace.

Debby Dirnfeld

July 24, 2009

May he rest in peace and the family be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem. He was an amazing doctor and saved the lives of 2 of my brothers. Regards to the family.
The Dirnfeld family

DR. BRENDA KLEPACH ABRAMS

July 24, 2009

B'H'

WITH DEEPEST SYMPATHY. . . MAY G-D BLESS YOU DURING THIS TIME AND FIND COMFORT IN HIS LOVUNG MEMORIES. DR. HOWARD ENGLE WAS A WONDERFUL MAN AND HIGHLY RESPECTED. ALWAYS ENCOURAGIING TO TAKE CARE OF THE CHILDREN AND FAMILIES. HELD IN HIGHEST ESTEEM

hector lombana

July 24, 2009

Thank you Dr. Engle for saving my son Anthony's life.You were a great doctor, a fine human being and a hoot to be around!

Martin Gelb

July 24, 2009

Dear Mrs Engle, Alison, Jon and David,
It is with much sadness that Gladys and I have learned of the passing of Dr. Engle. I'm sure you know that I always treasured my relationship with the doctor and while I dreaded this day, I never thought it would come.
All our love and prayers go out to the Doctor and to all of you.
Gladys and Marty

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