Obituary of Calvin C. Engle

Warrensburg: Calvin C. Engle, 86, formerly of Gold Street, passed away peacefully, Thursday, February 10, 2011 at the Adirondack Tri-County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in North Creek with his son, Brian at his side. Born November 4, 1924 in Oriskany Falls, he was the son of the late Lester and Hazel (Youmell) Engle. Cal enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corp in 1942, eventually returning from boot camp to marry the love of his life, Jeannette Henry on July 15, 1943 in Lake George. He served his country, with the distinction in the European theater of operations during WWII being awarded various commendations, including six bronze stars prior to his honorable discharge, with the rank of sergeant in 1945. Following his return from service, the couple owned and operated Cal’s Diner in Warrensburg, occupying three different locations from 1946 to 1962, before establishing Engle’s Department Store in 1962 until their retirement in 1988. The couple enjoyed wintering in Englewood, FL for many years. Calvin was a very active member in his community, being the first recipient to receive a 50 year plaque from the Warrensburg Volunteer Fire Department. He was also a member, serving the following organizations: 43 years in the Warrensburg Kiwanis Club; 38 year member of the Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce; 57 years with the Glens Falls Elks Club; 23 years with the Warrensburg and Thurman Senior Citizens Club; 63 year Communicant of St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church; 11 year member of the Warrensburg Masonic Lodge; 15 years with the Men’s Club of the Church of Holy Cross; he served for many years as a member of the Warrensburg VFW, Haskell Brothers Post 4821, along with a 66 year membership with the Warrensburg American Legion, Post 446, including two years as Commander; a member of the Knights of Columbus; and a member of H.V.V.F.A; he served 10 years as a member of the Warrensburg School Board; a member of the Warrensburg Board of Fire Commissioners; 15 year member of the Adirondack Tri-County Nursing Home Board of Directors; a 15 year member of 1st National Bank of Glens Falls Advisory Board (TD Bank); a longtime member of the Warrensburg Historical Society; and sat on the Board of Directors for HHHN. Cal began his political career in 1980, serving as Warrensburg Town Councilman for four years and eventually Town Supervisor from 1984 to 1987. He was also a member of the Warrensburg Republican Committee along with the Warren County Board of Supervisors during that time. He and his wife, Jeannette were named Citizens of the Year in 1989 due to their lifelong dedication to Warrensburg; A town park was established and dedicated in 1987 in his honor and named Cal Engle Park. Besides his parents and his beloved wife of 49 years, Cal is predeceased by his brothers: Stanley and Wilbur Engle; and step grandson, Gary D. Ostrander, II of Warrensurg. He leaves behind his three sons: John P. Engle of Canandaigua; Stephen L. Engle and his wife, Betty of Englewood, FL; and Brian D. Engle and his wife, Donna of Warrensburg; his grandson, John P. Engle, Jr., of WA; two granddaughters: Kimberly Engle Abrass of WA; and Bryana Engle of Warrensburg; two step granddaughters: Renee Armstrong and Charlotte Hill, both of Warrensburg; along with several great grandchildren. Friends may call on Cal’s family from 4 to 8 pm, Sunday, February 13, 2011, at the Alexander-Baker Funeral Home, 3809 Main St., Warrensburg. Members of the Warrensburg Volunteer Fire Company will conduct a Memorial Service at 6 pm, followed by the Lake George Volunteer Fire Department and Auxiliary, and will conclude with services from members of the Warrensburg American Legion and VFW. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 am, Monday, February 14 at St. Cecilia’s Roman Catholic Church, 3802 Main St., Warrensburg, with Fr. Paul Cox, officiating. Rite of committal with military honors will be conducted 2 pm, Friday, May 20, 2011 at St. Cecilia’s Cemetery, Warrensburg. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to St. Cecilia’s Church, 3802 Main St., Warrensburg, or the Warrensburg Volunteer Fire Company, PO Box 371, Warrensburg. Cal’s family would like to extend their appreciation to the staff at The Landing of Queensbury; nurses at Glens Falls Hospital, Tower 3; and the nursing staff of the Adirondack Tri-County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for the compassionate care that he received during his stay. Pall Bearers will include his fellow firefighters, Kevin Geraghty, Jonathan Geraghty, David Spatz, Scott Combs, Roger Durkin, and Justin Hull. Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online guestbook, condolences and directions.