Raymond V. Engler, Sr. of Exton, PA passed away peacefully on August 19, 2022 at the age of 86. He was supported in his last hours by the wonderfully caring staff at ProMedica Total Rehab+ in Exton, PA. He maintained his sweet personality and corny sense of humor until the end.
Ray was born on November 19, 1935 in New York City, the oldest child of Raymond C. and Alice Vanderbilt Engler. Ten years later his baby sister Arlene arrived and quickly became the apple of his eye. Ray was a serious, quiet child whose favorite pastimes were playing baseball and reading the encyclopedia. After graduating from high school, and accepting the fact that he would not be recruited by Major League Baseball, he was the proud recipient of a Navy ROTC scholarship to Villanova University. This was the genesis of two of his lifelong passions: The U.S. Navy and Villanova University. After a brief attempt to major in chemistry, with the enthusiastic support of the Chemistry Department, he changed his major to liberal arts, graduating in 1957 and receiving his Navy commission.
Ray served three years of active duty during which he was stationed in Newport, Rhode Island and was assigned to the USS Hyman (DD732). (He would want you to know that this was not a “boat”, it was a “ship”.) Following an honorable discharge, he served twenty years in the Naval Reserve, retiring in 1980 in the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He remained a proud Navy man for the rest of his life.
In 1958, Ray married Barbara Jean Conway whom he met on a blind date. They welcomed Raymond, Jr. in 1960 and Alicia Mary in 1962. Barbara was as fancy and gregarious as Ray was quiet and reserved. One of their shared activities was performing in musicals with the Saint Francis Players at Saint Francis of Assisi Parish in Springfield, PA. The quiet, reserved Ray took center stage playing major roles in several productions. After a couple of decades, their marriage ended in a divorce which – eventually – became amicable.
In 1985 Ray married Ann Siepmann and, though separated for more than half of their marriage, they shared a loving and supportive friendship that lasted until their final kiss goodbye just days before his passing.
In addition to the US Navy and Villanova University, his other passions were the Phillies, Eagles and Flyers; the Democratic Party (particularly his man crush, Barack Obama); Native American culture and Grey Goose. While he loved being addressed as “Commander Engler”, his favorite title was “Grandpa”. His grandchildren, Jay and Leah adored him. His sharp wit lives on in them.
In 2009, Ray tragically lost his son Raymond to suicide. He bravely worked through this heartbreak and became a strong proponent of mental health. The final years of his life were happy ones as he enjoyed the care, comfort and community of the kind and loving staff and residents at Eagleview Landing in Exton, PA.
Ray was preceded in death by his father, Raymond C. Engler; mother, Alice V. Engler; sister, Arlene Dempsey; and his beloved son, Raymond V. Engler, Jr. He is survived by his daughter, Alicia Daugherty; son-in-law, Jim Daugherty; grandchildren, Jay and Leah Daugherty; wife, Ann Engler; and stepchildren, Stephanie Iacovino and Adam Stevenson.
A memorial service will be held at Logan Funeral Home, 689 E Lincoln Hwy, Exton, PA on Thursday, September 15, 2022 at 1:00 P.M. with visitation beginning at 12:00 P.M.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention or to the charity of your choice.