In Memoriam: Al Engelman
April 23, 1934 – July 27, 2007
By: David P. Tomasula, P.E. LJB Inc.
It is with great sadness that the TCA informs you that Al Engelman, owner and CEO of Engelman Construction and past-president of the TCA, passed away on July 27, 2007. A true industry leader, Al was a dedicated advocate for the Tilt-Up industry and donated countless hours to shaping the Association. One of Al’s main contributions to the TCA was the development of the safety awards program.
Ed Sauter, TCA’s Executive Director stated, “Al’s dedication to the trade associations he belonged to and the industry which comprised his livelihood will be impossible to replace, as will his wry sense of humor. His contributions in the area of safety, organization, and the Tilt- Up industry in general will be used for decades to come. We will miss him in the board room, as well as at the occasional golf outing.”
Born in Altoona, Pa., he was a graduate of the University of Detroit. He was a professional engineer in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. In addition to his service to TCA, he was a member and past president of the American Society of Concrete Contractors, Fellow of the American Concrete Institute, where he was a Roger Corbetta award winner, member of the National Precast Concrete Association, member of the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association, member of the Pennsylvania Promotion Council, member of the Construction Specifications Institute, member of the American Society of Highway Engineers, as well as past president and life member of the Emmaus Optimist Club. He coached youth sports in the Emmaus area for many years and was an avid hunter and member of the NRA. He was a member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Emmaus.
He will be truly missed by his wife of 52 years Irene; sons, Thomas E. Engelman and wife Linda, Joseph G. Engelman, Robert M. Engelman and wife Schelly, and James D. Engelman and wife Lisa; daughters, Kathleen wife of John Scapellati and Mary L. wife of Christopher Eastland; sister, Elizabeth Jean Ream; and grandchildren, Jason, Sara, Ryan, Megan, Benjamin, Taylor, Nicholas, Cody, Ashley, and Hunter; nieces and nephews.
As past president of the Association, Al was a confidant, mentor and friend of several TCA Board members who share their thoughts on Al’s impact on both the TCA and the industry.
The TCA has benefited from Al’s insightful contributions for many years and he will be greatly missed. He was dedicated to improving our industry and constantly challenged us to do better. We are so thankful for his service and he has certainly left a lasting footprint on our Association.
