May 31, 2022

OBITUARY: Father Paul Engel dies at 84

REGIONAL
Staff report

SPRINGFIELD – Capuchin Franciscan Father Paul Engel, 84, died May 22 at St. Cabrini Nursing Home in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y.

Father Engel was well known in Springfield when he served at St. Francis Chapel on Bridge Street. He founded Downy Side adoption services while in Springfield. The national agency places children in foster care with permanent families.

Father Engel was baptized Anthony Engel in Holy Spirit Parish in the Bronx and graduated from Rice High School in Manhattan. He entered the Capuchin Franciscan Order in 1956, earning a bachelor’s degree in philosophy at St. Anthony’s College in Hudson, N.H., and his theology degree at Mary Immaculate Friary in Garrison, N.Y. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1964.

Father Engel served in parishes in Massachusetts, New York, and New Jersey. He was best known as the founder and longtime executive director of Downey Side. Early in his priestly ministry,while serving at St. Francis Chapel on Bridge Street in Springfield, he came in contact with a homeless teenager and approached Margaret Downey of Springfield to see if she had room for the teen in her home. Her “yes” led to the founding of the adoption agency in 1965.

Father Engel was predeceased by his sisters, Mary Sweeney and Therese; and his brothers, Harold and Peter. He is survived by his sister, Dominican Sister Elizabeth Engel and brother Edward, his sisters-in-laws and many nieces and nephews.

The funeral Mass was held Friday, May 27, at Sacred Heart Parish in Yonkers, N.Y.