Herman Joseph Engel

Herman Joseph Engel of Philadelphia passed away Sunday, November 12, 2023. 

He is survived by his beloved wife Ionelia (Hutan), sister Dr. Elly J Engel, niece Angelica Coffey, grandnephews John (Marie), Joseph (Olivia), grandnieces Alexandra Conto, Adina Coffey, and Angelina Coffey. Great grandnephews Joseph Conto, James Conto, and Alex Morrow. Great grandnieces Layla Coffey, Lucy Coffey, Aurora Coffey, Aurelia Coffey, and Julia Morrow. He was preceded in death by his father Alex, mother Rozalia (Toszt), brother Gabriel, and cherished uncle Steve Toszt. 

He was born in Sighet, Romania, the son of a holocaust survivor. Emigrated to the United States in 1962 with his father, mother and sister.  The family made their new home in Philadelphia where he met and made lifelong friends. He was known to some as Herman, and others as Joseph or Joe, but to family he was Jozsi. 

Joe attended Millersville University where he received his undergraduate degree. He then graduated from Drexel University with a degree in Electrical Engineering and a Masters of Business Administration. 

Using his brilliance and intelligence, he invented and patented a ballast for lighting to save energy costs and improve our environment. He was a world traveler and found enjoyment in trying new foods. He was an amazing cook that always shared his meals with family and friends.

During one of his trips to Romania he met the love of his life, his adoring wife, Ionelia. They recently had their 25^th wedding anniversary. The time they shared together was precious.

Those that knew him understood that he moved in mysterious ways. He was a mentor to many and well respected by everyone that met him. He encouraged those around him to always be better and never stop educating themselves. Joe was a continuous learner himself which was exhibited by him learning a 7^th language in recent years. He had a sense of humor that embodied his wit and intelligence.

Family and friends are invited to his Graveside Service on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, 11:30 AM precisely at Shalom Memorial Park (Sect. Gabriel), 3573 Pine Road, Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006.