Albert Engelken

Albert Engelken Of Alexandria, Virginia, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on May 9, 2018 at the age of 79. Mr. Engelken is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Betsy Downs Engelken; children Elizabeth Engelken Stevens (Ben), Jane Delia Engelken and Richard Conrad Engelken, II (Lori); sisters Mary Brown and Martha Oslin; 10 cherished grandchildren; dear nieces and nephews, and many treasured friends. He was preceded in death by his brother Richard. Born in Passaic, New Jersey, he was a graduate of Pope Pius XII Diocesan High School and Providence College. He served in the Army National Guard. He began his career as a publication editor for the National Rifle Association and went on to work for the American Public Transit Association for 28 years. In 1999 he was inducted into the Transit Hall of Fame for “great leadership, unparalleled knowledge and devotion to public transportation.” Mr. Engelken was man of great passion and held tremendous enthusiasm for the 3 loves of his life-family, baseball and jazz. From the moment he set eyes on a baseball field, through a life-long relationship with Bobby Thomson and his famous homerun, to his last days spent watching the Nationals, he took great joy from baseball. He loved jazz – specifically Count Basie – and was a drummer. While those interests added flavor to his rich life, he was most proud of his family. He never missed a game, concert or important event, always beaming with pride at the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. And through it all, he was completely devoted to the love of his life, his wife Betsy. The family will receive friends Sunday, May 13 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Demaine Funeral Home, 520 South Washington Street, Alexandria. The funeral mass will be held on Monday, May 14, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at the Basilica of St. Mary, 310 South Royal Street. Internment will take place at St. Mary’s cemetery following the mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Patient Care Fund at Phoenix House Mid-Atlantic or the Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal, Convent of San Damiano.