Joseph Engel

Joseph Engel, Claremont, N.H. — On March 5, 2020, three days before his 83rd birthday, Joseph Engel finished his earthly journey after a 16-month battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born to George B. Engel and Edna Ashbridge Engel on March 8, 1937, at home in the coal region of Pennsylvania. Following the death of his father at an early age, his mother moved her growing family to New Jersey where she lived the rest of her life.

After beginning his education in the local elementary school in Rocky Hill, New Jersey, he went in third grade to the Milton Hershey Industrial School in Hersey, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Milton Hershey in 1955 with a certification in the field of meat preparation. Following his graduation in 1956, he married his first wife and the mother of his children and began his quest of 11 years to obtain his B.S. degree in engineering degree at Drexel University. His engineering career began at Ditmars & Carmichael in Princeton, New Jersey, where, over a number of years, he designed wastewater and water facilities in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. In 1977, he and his second wife moved to Maine where he worked for Wright Pierce in Topsham, Maine, and again, was instrumental in the design of many treatment facilities throughout New England. His last move was to Vermont where he completed his engineering career with Dufresne Henry in North Springfield. During that time, he and his wife lived in Saxtons River, Vermont, and much of his spare time was involved with the Saxtons River Trustees for several years, including his term as chair of that Board. Upon his retirement in 1999, he worked at Eserskys Hardware in Claremont until just a few years ago when that business closed.

One of his greatest joys was the time he spent at the family home at Coles Pond, Vermont. He and his granddaughter, Samantha, spent several years volunteering for the State of Vermont as water quality monitors for the lake. He was active in the formation and workings of the Eastern Avenue Property Owners Association, serving for several years as the organization’s treasurer.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Engel was predeceased by his siblings, George Engel, Ervin Engel, Charles Engel, Dorothy Mae Van Alstyne, Earl McDonald, John McDonald and Samuel McDonald; and an infant son, Derek. He is survived by his wife, Anita; and their blended family, Michael Engel (Jayne), Michelle Mistretta (Vincent), Jeffrey Mount (Julie), Stanley Mount, Amy Lavertue (Kevin McNamara). Also surviving are two brothers, Robert Engel (Rose) and David Foley (Beverly); as well as sisters-in-law, Clarissa McDonald and Patricia Engel. He was the very proud grandfather of 10 grandchildren, Anthony Mistretta, Peter Mistretta, Teresa Mistretta, Robin Engel, Rebecca Brackett, Emily Mount, Justin Mount, Stanley Mount, Cody Mount and Samantha Lavertue; as well as six great-grandchildren, Olivia, Victoria, Annalise, Jamison, Logan and Rory Jade. Other survivors include his first wife, Myrtle Swanson (Bob); his god daughter, Cammy Reger; and numerous nieces and nephews.