David J. Engler Service Information

David J. Engler, 101, of Willow Grove, passed away Tuesday, September 5, 2023. He was the beloved husband of the late Doreen (Sheldon) Engler, who passed away in 1998.

Born May 30, 1922 in Palmerton, he was a son of the late Samuel and Eva (Walk) Engler.

A 1939 graduate of S.S. Palmer High School in Palmerton, David worked at the New Jersey Zinc Company until his enlistment in the United States Marine Corps in June of 1942. Rising to the rank of Corporal, he remained in the Marine Corps as radio operator for a 75 mm pack-howitzer unit before being honorably discharged in June of 1946. He saw combat in the Pacific Theater of Operations in the invasions of Bouganville, Guam, and Iwo Jima. His service in the Marines was a pivotal period that influenced the rest of his life. One of his favorite activities was the annual Marine Corps League luncheon that he attended regularly.

While awaiting discharge, and based at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, from May through December of 1945, he was introduced to Doreen Sheldon. They married in November 1946. He returned to work at the N.J. Zinc Company, but soon found it necessary to move his young family (two sons, Brian and Gary) to Philadelphia, where he found more lucrative employment, first with the McCloskey Varnish Company, and then with the Finnaren & Haley Paint Company, from which he retired as Chief Chemist in 1987. Along the way, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Drexel University (then Drexel Institute of Technology). He served with the Philadelphia Society for Paint Technology for many years, and was honored to be elected its President.

David is survived by his three children, Beverly Bagby, Brian Engler (Maxine), and Gary Engler (Judy); 13 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren; his brother, Elwood Engler; and sister, Margaret Stahler.

He was preceded in death by his three siblings, Winfield, Richard, and Barbara.

Relatives and friends are invited to join the family for David's graveside service Monday, October 16, 2023 at 11:00 am at Lawnview Cemetery, 500 Huntingdon Pike, Rockledge.

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