We wanted to share with you the news that our Dad, Sam Engel, Sr. passed away late Friday, March 27, after a very short illness, two weeks shy of his 93
rd
birthday. Until the onset of the COVID-19 stay at home orders, Dad was doing all of his regular activities and was as busy as ever. Last Sunday, he was diagnosed with pneumonia and sepsis, the result of the COVID-19 virus and spent his final few days in St. Joseph’s Medical Center.
A veteran of World War II serving on the USS Antietam, Dad was accomplished in many things. He was most proud of his family and his impact on the lives of young people through his over 75 years of service in the Scouting program. He led on the Board for Verdugo Hills Council, BSA and was still advising Scouts on their Eagle Scout projects.
Dad was devout in his Christian faith, having accepted Jesus Christ as a youth in the Holiday’s Cove Christian Church in Weirton, West Virginia. He served in numerous leadership positions at First Christian Church of Burbank, most recently as Elder Emeritus. He regularly packed lunches for the homeless and tended the Church’s garden of prayer.
He was passionate about Kiwanis having joined the Burbank Kiwanis Club in the 1960’s, and rarely missed a meeting since. Over the years, he flipped hundreds of pancakes, delivered countless meals to homebound seniors, and was known for his annual Flag Day program.
An accomplished musician with the clarinet, saxophone, vibraphone and xylophone, Dad could pick up just about any instrument, noodle around a bit, then play it respectably. He kept busy in the Burbank Community Band, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Ceremonial Band and the UCLA Alumni Pep Band.
Dad was an avid sports fan and athlete, coaching and playing softball on the First Christian Church team well beyond it making sense, into his mid-80’s! He maintained his allegiance to his hometown teams, rooting for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Steelers, and WVU Mountaineers.
Professionally, Dad was a research chemist, specializing in heat-protective coatings. Although he didn’t talk much about it, Dad invented several patents on flame retardant coatings, including one still used on the top of aircraft carrier flight decks that protects the deck from jet blasts, and on the Titan and Sidewinder missiles. He also developed the adhesive that kept the heat-protective tiles in place on the Space Shuttles so they did not burn up during re-entry.
Four children, five grandchildren, and six great grandchildren survive him. His wife of 64 years, Millie, passed in 2016. Due to the current pandemic, plans for a memorial service are being delayed until such time as folks can gather safely.
Stay safe and healthy!
