Bro. Rick Engel's Obituary

Richard Francis Engel, of West Windsor, New Jersey, died on Monday, March 2nd, 2026 at age 73 after a long, courageous battle with cancer. Rick was born in 1952 to parents, Jane Demarest Engel and Joseph Grassmann Engel. Rick is survived by his three children: his son, John and his wife Megan of Falls Church, VA, and their children Hunter, Austin and Trevor; his son, Robert and his wife Abigail, of Lexington, MA, and their children, Graham, Blake, Avery, and Eloise; and his daughter Libby of Sydney, Australia. He was particularly proud of and entertained by his seven grandchildren. He is also survived by his twin brother Robert and his wife Pat of Wayland, MA, and his older brother William of Basking Ridge, NJ. He was predeceased by his wife and his parents.

Born and raised in New Jersey, Rick was a proud graduate of The Pingry School and Lafayette College. Rick also graduated from the University of Virginia School of Law, where he met his wife, Brenda Farr Engel. Together, they moved to Missouri to work in the Missouri Attorney General’s Office, before returning home to New Jersey to start a family. Deeply respected by all those who crossed his path, Rick was an advocate for doing good in the world. In his work for the State of New Jersey for 45 years, Rick briefed and argued several precedent-setting cases, making significant contribution to New Jersey environmental law, and a more beautiful New Jersey. He was a trusted mentor for colleagues of all levels of experience, always willing to give advice and offer a listening ear.

An active member of the community, Rick devoted time and energy as a supporter and volunteer for local organizations including West Windsor Arts Council, Princeton United Methodist Church and the West Windsor Little League.

Above all, Rick was a caring friend, husband, father and grandfather, who treasured his family, talking about their achievements at any chance he got. A believer in teaching the fundamentals, Rick coached soccer, baseball and softball teams throughout the kids’ childhoods, throwing thousands of batting practice pitches and stepping in to referee. Rick will be profoundly missed by his family, friends and colleagues.

A memorial service and reception will be held Saturday, June 20th at 2pm., at Princeton United Methodist Church, 7 Vandeventer Avenue, Princeton, NJ. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Princeton United Methodist Church, 7 Vandeventer Avenue, Princeton, NJ 08542, the West Windsor Arts Council, 952 Alexander Road, Princeton Junction, NJ 08550, or to a charity of your choice. To leave condolences, please go to https://www.mykeeper.com/RichardEngel. Details about a livestream of the memorial service will be posted on the mykeeper page during the week of June 15th.