John J. Engel, 81, a resident of Elk Haven Nursing Home, formerly of 151 Sugar Hill Road, St. Marys, PA passed away Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at Elk Haven, after a lengthy illness.

He was born April 5, 1941 in St. Marys, son of the late John F. and Elizabeth Gregory Engel.  He was a lifelong resident of the area, attended St. Marys Parochial and St. Marys Area Schools, and was a lifelong farmer at the Sugar Hill Dairy Farm.  He was an avid gardener in the years following his retirement from dairy farming.

On July 12, 1980, in Queen of the World Church, he married the late Margaret A. Ross, who preceded him in death on March 23, 2006.

John is survived by his two children: Ashley Engel of Ridgway and Jonathan Engel (Michelle) of Pittsburgh; one grandchild, Jordan Plyler; his sister, Mary Busch of Phoenixville, PA; his brother, Michael Engel (Winnie) of St. Marys; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was a member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the local Grange, the PA Dairymen’s Association, and was active in the Bells of St. Marys where he met his wife square dancing.  John often hosted neighbors, family, and friends at his home for bonfires, gatherings, or to just stop by and share in some fellowship.  While working sunrise to sunset daily, he always had time for his children, rarely missing milestones in their lives.  He loved wood working and refinished furniture for area residents.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Saturday, January 7, 2023 at 10:30AM with the Rev. Thomas More Sikora, OSB, Pastor, officiating.  Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation will be held at the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home on Friday, January 6, 2023 from 6:00PM until 8:00PM and again on Saturday, January 7, 2023 from 9:00AM until 10:00AM.

Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, PO Box 96011, Washington, DC, 20090-6011.

Online condolences may be offered at www.lynch-radkowski.com.