Date of Service:
February 07, 2024
Date of Interment:
February 08, 2024
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Bernard “Chic” Engle, 96, of Vero Beach passed away on January 11, 2024, joining his sons James and Brian, parents William and Amelia Engle, and nine siblings, in their eternal home.
Born on March 9, 1927, in Lowell, Ohio, he was the 9th of 12 children. He took extreme pride in saying he grew up a “farm boy” on the family’s 3,000-acre farm, where he learned the value of hard work.
Before graduating high school, he joined the Navy to serve his country during WW2 and was stationed aboard the Aircraft Carrier USS Hornet CV-12. He served as an aviation ordnance man for the duration of the war. In May of 2014, at the age of 87, he was asked to join the graduating class of his hometown high school in Ohio, where he delivered the keynote speech and received his diploma, 69 years later, to a standing ovation.
After his military service Chic was recruited as a fruit and vegetable inspector for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). During that time, he was sent to many different States inspecting the various agricultural products and operating plants, and in December of 1952 found himself in Vero Beach. Shortly after arriving, he met his wife of 70 years, Mary D. “Sonia” Jones. They were married at St. Helen’s Catholic Church in June of 1953, and began raising their family and making Vero Beach their home.
After leaving the USDA, Chic became the General Manager of Indian River Associates Packing House, where he remained until his retirement 25 years later. He was well-known and highly respected among his peers for his work ethic and knowledge of the citrus industry.
A member of St. Helen’s Catholic Church he was part of the Harvest Festival Inaugural Committee, and a member of the Knights of Columbus. A sports enthusiast, throughout the years he was active with both Little League and Babe Ruth baseball programs. In addition to serving as President of both the Pony League and Colt League divisions, you could also hear him announcing games from the press box or find him dragging the field after ballgames. In his later years, he enjoyed playing golf and watching his grandchildren in their activities.
Chic is survived by his devoted wife Sonia (Mary), his loving children, Gina, Greg, Rita and Sharon, grandchildren, Charley, Jameson, Sarah, Amber, Ridge, Rachel, Hannah, and Dillon, 22 great grandchildren, sister Zita Izzo (Joe) of Jackson WY., brother Jim Engle (Carolyn), of Columbus, OH., and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.
A gathering of family and friends will be held Wednesday, February 7, 2024, from 5:00-6:30 p.m., with a prayer service beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
A Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, February 8, 2024, at St. Helen Catholic Church beginning at 10:00 a.m. Inurnment will immediately follow at Crestlawn Cemetery.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Bach.
© 2024 Lowther Funeral Home. All Rights Reserved.
Dorothy Misik. (Dot)
January 31, 2024, 8:38 pm
You will be greatly missed especially from the family reunions. Loved hearing your life stories.
Terry Russell - Friend of the Family.
February 1, 2024, 3:19 pm
Sending my deepest condolences to the family. Was honored to know Chic for years working in the citrus industry. What a fine man he was. Praying for comfort at this time.
Robert Bluestone - Friend of family member.
February 1, 2024, 10:28 pm
While I did not have the privilege of meeting this American hero, I know his impressive daughter Sharon. He has raised her in the tradition of service to her community as the leader/Executive Director of one of the most influential cultural institutions in our region, the Sunrise Theatre of Ft. Pierce, Florida. On behalf of the Advisory Board of our Theatre, please accept our deepest condolences.
Rita Hudmon Dismukes - Friend of the family
February 5, 2024, 11:31 pm
Sending blessings and prayers to all the family and so sorry for your loss. I worked for him when I was 16 at the Indian River Associates packing House, picking out the bad fruit leaves and branches when it came off the trucks, until my friend Lisa Hamilton got her bell bottom jeans caught in the conveyor belt. which stopped everything for a while, then he let me try packing fruit which I couldn’t do very fast, and the pros were running me over! He didn’t give up on me though, so he let me make boxes I liked it the best. He was so patience with us, and I think this all happened in one day. I was amazed he didn’t, send us down the road. I didn’t know him well, but I know he will be missed dearly.
Nancy Engle Weinstock - Niece
February 7, 2024, 1:29 pm
My heartfelt sadness for all of you as you say goodbye to Uncle Bernard in these next two days. I have such good memories of time spent with him and Aunt Sonia! Reading of his life, I could feel what a wonderfully full rich life he had- truly a man to be remembered with love!
Mike Engle - Nephew
February 8, 2024, 1:05 pm
Vacations to Vero were never complete without seeing Uncle Bernard and Aunt Sonia. Listening to Uncle Bernard tell stories about his high school athletic achievements and the rebuttal given by his brother, Charles (also “Chic”), was hilarious every time. But the best entertainment was listening to the two of them playing golf. They played by their own rules. Apparently, Mulligans are allowed on every shot. After one round my mother mentioned to Charles that Bernard cheats. Charles replied “He is my brother” which is likely code for “so do I”.