Leo Victor English MD

Dr. English died at his home surrounded by family. He was born December 31, 1919 to Dr. Leo V English and Elizabeth Baker English in Toledo, Ohio. He graduated from the University of Toledo, 1940; Howard University Medical School, 1944.

While practicing medicine in Detroit Michigan he was drafted into the Korean War as Captain and served in Alaska. In 1954 Dr. English settled in San Jose with his family. Upon moving to San Jose he was unable to rent an office space or buy the home of his liking. He bought a home near San Jose Hospital, converted the front to a medical office and the back to the home for family. Dr. English and three associates formed an HMO where he served as medical director.

Community involvement included: President of the San Jose branch of the NAACP 1960-61; San Jose Police Chief’s Advisory Board; Santa Clara County Grand Jury; Santa Clara University Board of Regents. Leo and his wife assisted in finding summer housing for Selma, Alabama students in 1965. Awards include: Howard University Student Non-Violent, Direct Action to Desegregate Restaurants and Interstate Buses Washington D.C. in 1943 and 1944; “Distinguished Citizen Award” San Jose City Council in 1959; “Annual Service Award” in the field of human relations from the Anti-Defamation League Council of San Jose B’nai B’rith in 1964; Martin Luther King association of Santa Clara County, Good Neighbor Award in 2002. Dr. English was a member of the Serra Club, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and co-founder of Gamma Chi Boule in San Jose. He enjoyed traveling with his family.

Leo is survived by his loving wife Juanita of San Jose California, four sons: Leo English III (Karen); Isaac English (Sonia), James English (Mary) and Paul English (Steven). He is also survived by 5 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

His memorial service will be held on Friday March 27, at 11 am at St. John Vianney Church, 4600 Hyland Ave., San Jose, Calif. 95127.