Albrecht P. "Al" Engel

Albrecht "Al" P. Engel, 78, of Telford, PA, passed away unexpectedly at his residence on Tuesday, October 8, 2024. He was the beloved husband of Nancy Willis Engel. Born in Bavaria, Germany to the late Herbert and Johanna Engel, Al immigrated with his family to the United States at age six, settling in the Boyertown area where he attended Boyertown High School ('64).
After graduating from Penn State University with a degree in Electrical Engineering, he began his career at General Electric in Erie, PA. Al then went on to work at Gibbs & Hill, a major New York City engineering firm. In the mid-1980s, Al became the first President and CEO of SYSTRA USA, Inc., an engineering consulting firm headquartered in Northern NJ. His most recent position was Vice President of High-Speed Rail for Amtrak in Philadelphia. Although he "retired" several years ago, he continued to be an advocate for high-speed rail as an active member of the American Public Transportation Association (APTA).
Al was a leader in the communities in which he lived and dedicated his life to making a difference. As an active Rotarian, he was passionate about projects that supported the youth. He was also on the Foundation of Friends Board for the Indian Valley Public Library and participated in fundraising efforts for his church, Saint Maria Goretti.
Relaxing and spending time with his family on Lake Wallenpaupack is where Al enjoyed sailing, waterskiing, and other outdoor activities. Additionally, he enjoyed traveling, golfing, scuba diving, reading, listening to classical music, and coming up with clever ideas for home improvement projects. An incredibly generous and hospitable person, Al, along with his wife, loved to entertain their family and friends.
Al was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, always present and supportive, and a person of great integrity. A constant source of strength and inspiration to his children, he taught them the importance of hard work and perseverance. Al's love for life and unwavering dedication to his family, career, and community will forever be remembered. He will be missed dearly by all who knew him.
Survived by his wife of 53 years, Nancy; his three daughters who reside in the Philadelphia suburbs, Heidi (Mark) Murphy, Allison Engel, and Natalie Engel; one granddaughter, Clara; two sisters, Ingeborg (Richard) Frecon of Honeybrook, PA and Anette Engel of Lexington, KY; and his nieces.
Relatives and friends are invited to a celebration of Al's life at Saint Maria Goretti Church in Hatfield, PA on Saturday, November 23, 2024. Visiting hours will commence at 9 am followed by a memorial mass beginning at 10:45 am.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Al's name may be made to either Souderton-Telford Rotary Foundation, P.O. Box 135, Souderton PA 18964 or by clicking here, Saint Maria Goretti Church, 1601 Derstine Road, Hatfield, PA 19440 or by clicking here, Indian Valley Public Library, 100 East Church Avenue, Telford, PA 18969 or by clicking here.