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Richard Engler Obituary
Richard A. Dick Engler, 84, died peacefully on May 20, 2013 after a long illness. Dick was born on January 31, 1929 in Palmerton, PA to the late Eva and Samuel Engler. He graduated from Palmerton High School in 1946 and entered the Navy at age 17. He proudly served on the USS Coolbaugh, a destroyer escort, until his honorable discharge in 1949. He then worked for the General Electric Company where he met his wife Elizabeth Betty Miller. They married in 1952 and Dick entered RPI graduating in 1956. Dick resumed his career at GE, now an electrical engineer, and retired in 1989 having earned several patents. Survivors: He was the husband of Betty Engler for nearly 61 years, and the father of Melissa Engler (Howard Halstead). Also survived by brothers David Engler of Philadelphia, PA and Elwood (Ruth) Engler of Yuba City, CA and sisters Barbara Bell of Camarillo, CA and Margaret Peg Stahler of Frederick, MD. Predeceased by his brother Winfield Engler of Palmyra, PA. Services: A memorial service will be held at the Niskayuna Reformed Church, 3041 Troy-Schenectady Rd., Niskayuna, NY 12309 on Saturday, June 15, 2013 at 1 p.m. Contributions: Memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Protective Foundation, 53 Maple Ave, Scotia, NY 12302 or Niskayuna Reformed Church.
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Memories and Condolences
for Richard Engler
Sponsored by Brother David J. Engler.
Melissa Engler
May 20, 2019
As I work in my garden I'm remembering my Dad who left us six years ago today. Dad will remain in my heart forever as will his special sense of humor.
Melissa Engler
January 31, 2019
Happy 90th Birthday to Dad in Heaven. He was the best father a daughter could ever have.
Melissa Engler
May 20, 2018
I am remembering my Dad five years after I said my last goodbye to him. This year I'm thinking of his many nicknames for me: Dupper, M, Miss Lissa, and lastly Messy Missa. The latter said with love too. I know that now and then too.
Melissa Engler
January 31, 2018
Eighty nine years ago today my special Dad was born. He left us nearly five years ago. Always missed. Never forgotten. Happy 89th birthday dear Dadie.
Melissa Engler
May 20, 2017
Four years ago today my special Dad died. Yes really today. I practiced last month since Dad always said practice makes perfect. A favorite practice memory is Dad teaching me to parallel park after I failed my first drivers test. Needless to say I passed the second time with flying colors, so thanks Dad!
Melissa Engler
April 20, 2017
Remembering my Special Dad four years after his death. Alot has changed but alot is the same too. What's most definitely the same are my cherished memories of the many years I had with my Dad. I'm sure there's chocolate ice cream in heaven.
Melissa Engler
January 31, 2017
Remembering Dad on his 88th birthday. A favorite funny lady, Mary Tyler Moore, recently died. Dad and I laughed together during her TV shows and we even had real life events that matched her show. Love the laughter! Missing Dad always.
Melissa Engler
June 19, 2016
As I made vanilla sand pail dessert, I thought of Dad. I used his favorite cookie, Vienna Fingers, and made homemade custard pudding. It's yummy and keeps Dad's memory alive. Happy Father's Day. Love, Daughter Melissa.
Melissa Engler
May 20, 2016
Three years ago today my Dad passed from this world. I will remember his laugh and Donald Duck impression forever. Missing Dad and thinking of him daily.
Melissa Engler
March 19, 2016
Today I made dark chocolate covered peanut butter eggs to enjoy for Easter week. I made them just like Dad showed me - I measured nothing. I hope Heaven has chocolates.
David Engler
January 31, 2016
Remembering you on your 87th birthday. Gone from us much too soon. R.I.P. brother - Anchors Aweigh and Semper Fi from an old Marine!
Melissa Engler
January 31, 2016
Anchors away Dad! Remembering Dad on his 87th birthday. Chocolate cake must be in Heaven.
Melissa Engler
December 25, 2015
Merry Christmas! I remember the year Santa brought a big girl bike and it was warm and free of snow just like this year. How did Santa know there would be no snow when he got that bike? Today it will be 55 degrees for those kids with new bikes.
Melissa Engler
June 21, 2015
Father's Day 2015 finds me thinking about my special Dad. My favorite childhood amusement park has been moved and renamed from Hoffman's Playland to Huck Finn's Playland. Now thousands of local children will be able to continue to enjoy what I did as a child. It reopened on Friday just in time for Father's Day.
Frequently used wrench given by Dick to son-in-law saves day again!
Howard Halstead
June 7, 2015
Melissa Engler
June 6, 2015
Thirty seven years ago Dad and I watched Affirmed win the Triple Crown. I felt Dad's presence today as American Pharoah just did the same.
Melissa Engler
May 20, 2015
To honor Dad two years after his death on May 20, 2013, Howard and Melissa and Mom are having dinner at Jumpin Jacks grill, a favorite summer establishment. It's a seasonal place where one eats outside and next to the Mohawk River. Dad would have ordered a Jack burger and fries. Today is freezing cold with a howling NW wind so we can pretend we're at Fish Creek Campground which was one of Dad's favorites. Always missing and loving you Dad.
Melissa Engler
April 27, 2015
Today's newspaper featured an article about a hamburger chain called Carrol's. I fondly remember Dad taking me there for special, fun lunches. The picture is exactly as I remember it. I know I always had a chocolate shake and I'm sure Dad did too. I wasn't too fond of hamburgers so maybe I had a hot dog. Dad loved hamburgers and I'm sure he had one. The chain was purchased many years ago by Burger King.
Melissa Engler
April 3, 2015
Today I made chocolate covered peanut butter eggs. Dad made them better but I will think of him as I eat them. Missing the fun we always had on Easter weekend.
Melissa Engler
March 11, 2015
Today I made a strawberry pie, one of Dad's favorites. I will think of him as I eat every morsel. He and Mom would pick berries every June and Mom made him a pie.
Melissa Engler
January 31, 2015
Thinking of Dad on his 86th birthday. It's a bright and sunny but frigid day. Dad would have spent this cold day reading the newspaper, a favorite past time. Missing you always!
Melissa Engler
January 18, 2015
On this day 29 years ago Howard and I were married. Dad and I proudly walked down the aisle. Dad had a twinkle in one eye and a tear in the other. His kiss on my cheek was one of the most special memories of that day. Thanks so much for the memories Dad.
Melissa Engler
December 25, 2014
This Christmas is just as warm as the one when Santa Dad brought me a big girl bicycle. Feels like Spring at 51°. Miss you Dad.
Melissa Engler
November 27, 2014
Thanksgiving 2014. It snowed. Many years ago when I was a little girl it snowed. Dad was painting the dining room so we dined by candle light in the bay window of the living room over looking the snowy yard. We three were glad for a hot home cooked meal. Miss you Dad!
Melissa Engler
November 11, 2014
Veteran's Day 2014 is unseasonably warm and breezy. A day Dad would have enjoyed leaf removal and everything outdoors. I trimmed around his WWII plaque and it may even pass Navy inspection. Thanks Dad for your service and thanks to all Veterans.
Melissa Engler
October 15, 2014
Today is Mom's birthday. To remember Dad, I made her a molasses crumb cake aka shoofly pie. I made it using Dad's method and it turned out great. Mom is really thrilled and will remember Dad with each mouthful. I was able to remember him as I made it. Yum.
P. S. Hoffman's Playland will live on since the rides have been purchased by a local company which will set them up in Albany. Now generations of kids and their parents will be able to enjoy what I did with my special Dad.
Melissa Engler
August 1, 2014
Today is my second birthday without my special Dad and I have a fun memory to share. Soon after Howard and I married Dad decided a day of boating fun was in store for my birthday. So Dad, Mom, we newlyweds and friends Trinket and George headed up to an Adirondack lake to swim and fish and waterski. Trinket said she'd bring a cake and I mentioned an ice cream cake would melt. She is a scientist. After fun and picnic dinner she pulled out.....an ice cream cake. Not melted but frozen harder than any diamond. She packed it in dry ice. Dad the engineer found this just too funny. We finally managed to hack off 6 pieces . I am sure we played with the ice too. What fun!
Melissa Engler
July 9, 2014
Today I learned Hoffmans Playland will close forever. It is a kiddie amusement park with small rides. I would beg Dad to take me which he often did. I have such fond memories of those fun childhood times. Miss you Dad!
Family Headstone - Back
June 17, 2014
Family Headstone - Front
June 17, 2014
Melissa Engler
June 15, 2014
Father's Day 2014 is my second without my favorite Dad. If he were coming for a BBQ I would make a big juicy hamburger topped with a slab of onion and ketchup. I will bet there are hamburgers in heaven. Miss you Dadie!
Memorial Day 2014 remembering my WWII veteran Dad.
Melissa Engler
May 26, 2014
May 20, 2014
"Little" brother - you will always be remembered. Anchors Aweigh! - "Big" brother Dave.
Melissa Engler
May 20, 2014
Today May 20 is the first anniversary of my Dad's death. It has been a year of firsts. Father's Day and his birthday were especially hard. I am thankful for wonderful memories and photos. Dad lives in my heart.
May 19, 2014
Thinking of you, dear brother, and remembering all the biking,camping,skiing, & ice cream cones of years ago.
Sister ,
Barb Bell
Camarillo, CA
Scott Printz
May 18, 2014
I just happened to stumble across your dad's obituary - I am so sorry for your loss. I recall you speaking very fondly of him when we were at RPI.
Melissa Engler
April 20, 2014
Today is Easter Sunday, my first without my special. Weather wise it was a lovely, sunny April day, the kind Dad truly enjoyed. Dad always picked a large lilac branch in the winter placing it in water to leaf out. That was our "tree" which we decorated with colored eggs. Dad loved eggs for breakfast so the tree was full. After a hunt for my Easter basket and breakfast my family went to Schoharie, a small town where Mom grew up, to a large Easter egg exhibit. Tho I never wanted to go, as an adult I fondly remember those outings.
85th Birthday
Melissa Engler
February 1, 2014
On January 31, 2014, my special Dad would have been 85 years old. I decorated his WWII plaque with a balloon and Dove candy. He enjoyed both in life. A gentle breeze brought life to the balloon while I was lost in my thoughts. I love and miss you Dad, always.
Melissa Engler
December 25, 2013
Christmas day 2013.
Today Howard and I visited Dad's grave and shovelled out and de-iced his plaque. He looks good surrounded by snow as he loved to ski in winter. I remember with love Christmases past but am very sad having his chair be so empty. I love and miss my Dad.
Bench at APF
November 20, 2013
Melissa Engler
November 20, 2013
Today marks six months since my beloved Dad died. In his memory, I was able to donate a bench at the Animal Protective Foundation's newly dedicated spay & neuter clinic. The clinic was built to reduce pet overpopulation.
Veterans Day 2013
Melissa Engler
November 11, 2013
Today is Veterans Day. Dad truly loved his time aboard the USS Coolbaugh in the Navy. I am honored to be the daughter of a proud WWII Veteran. Thank you to all who have served our country.
Retirement
September 18, 2013
Wedding Day.
August 1, 2013
Melissa Engler
August 1, 2013
Today is my 50th birthday and the first without my special Dad. Two great memories come to mind. The first was when I was about ten years old my parents threw me a pizza party with 8-10 other children. Dad, being wise, ordered three 24 cut pizzas thinking how nice it would be to have all of those little pieces for the children. We had three giant pies and probably had leftovers for a week. The second was a surprise 30th party where Dad was most in his element flipping burgers and grilling hot dogs for the group. Two very wonderful memories. I miss you and love you Dad.
July 21, 2013
melissa engler
July 14, 2013
Today I visited Dad's grave site where his WW II memorial plaque has been mounted to the ground. He truly loved serving his country and his years in the US Navy. It's a fine tribute to a special and wonderful Dad who I remember each and every day.
In Mermorium
David J. Engler
July 13, 2013
June 30, 2013
Melissa: I am happy to see that you continue to "post" activities in memory of your father. These are the things that will help to enable you to keep him "alive" in your heart. I am glad that I was able to "perpetuate" this Guest Book in his memory. - Uncle Dave.
Melissa Engler
June 29, 2013
Today would have been my parent's 61st wedding anniversary. Husband Howard and I took Mom to the old Niskayuna train station which was one of Dad's favorite places on the bike path. We brought a picnic dinner and sat facing the Mohawk River. For dessert we had soft ice cream where my parents took me as a child. Dad was very very missed but there in our hearts.
Melissa Engler
June 17, 2013
Father's Day 2013 was a bittersweet day after Dad's well attended memorial on Saturday. Friends, family, and former coworkers all spoke of how fun and full of life Dad was. Sunday he was missed at our dinner table where I made a great Dad dinner and dessert. Dad you are forever remembered and always loved.
Melissa Engler
June 13, 2013
My Dad was a very fun and special man. I treasure the photos I have of his life and will never forget his special laugh. In honor of Father's Day I plan to make Sand Pail Dessert with Vienna Fingers and gummi worms, one of Dad's favorite fun desserts.
Sue Engler Rodkey
June 12, 2013
My thoughts and prayers go out to all whose lives have been touched by my Uncle Dick. Always happy, always laughing. So happy I got to spend time with him last summer. My love to Aunt Betty and my cousin Melissa. Uncle Dick will love on in my heart forever!
David J. Engler
June 11, 2013
I forgot to "sign" my earlier posting. Here is an old (1947) picture of Richard and his 3 brothers. -Dave.
Family gathering
Wynne and Jim Skow
June 10, 2013
We will always remember my Uncle Dick as the kind and jovial fellow he was. It was so fun to visit and spend time with both Uncle Dick and Aunt Betty. Our heartfelt sympathy and love goes to you Aunt Betty and to Melissa as well.
Family Gathering
Wynne Skow
June 10, 2013
Beverly Bagby
June 9, 2013
My sincere sympathy to you, Aunt Betty, and the family.It was a blessing to have spent some time with you and Uncle Dick last summer.
Gary Engler
June 9, 2013
I recall Uncle Rich having a warm smile and most engaging laugh. My brother, sister and I were thrilled when he and Aunt Betty were able to come to my home near Lansdale, PA just a year ago to celebrate our father's (David Engler) 90th Birthday and Engler Family Reunion.
Blessings.
Warren Bell
June 9, 2013
My sincerest sympathies to my Aunt Betty, my cousin Melissa and her husband Howard.
June 9, 2013
Sincerest condolences to the family of my brother Richard. I will always remember our get-together for my 90th birthday last June, 2012. This picture is of happier times in 2001.
Barbara Bell
June 9, 2013
My 'fun' brother ! I remember our living on Franklin Ave & huckleberry picking on the Blue Mountain in Palmerton as a young girl. Many adult memories remain -camping,biking, hiking,& skiing. He remains in our hearts.
Barb
David Bell
June 9, 2013
I can't ever remember my Uncle Richard without a smile on his face!
My sympathy to Betty, Melissa and Howard..
Sandy Ferris
May 30, 2013
Such fond memories of Fish Creek and your family. So sorry to hear of your loss.
Recent visit with Dick
Howard Halstead
May 26, 2013
May 26, 2013
Our love goes to you, Melissa,Howard, and Betty. We always enjoyed our visits with you.
Love, Jef and Gingie Jenner
Peg Stahler
May 26, 2013
I share in your grief at the death of my brother Dick. As time passes I pray you will find peace and remember with joy all the good times you shared with him. I'm sorry I will be unable to attend the Memorial Service.
Engler brothers and sisters - June 2012
Brian Engler
May 25, 2013
My deepest sympathies to Betty, Melissa and Howard. So glad to have seen my Uncle Richard one more time last June. Here's a photo I took of him with his surviving brothers and sisters at that time.
Marie Klucina
May 25, 2013
Betty sorry to hear of the passing of your beloved Dick. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
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