Joseph Francis Engler

On September 5, 2013 Joseph Francis Engler passed from this life after a brief illness following complications arising after a minor surgery. He was 69 years of age. A San Francisco native, he was born on November 9, 1943, to Joseph Bernard and Mathilda (née Healy) Engler. Raised in the Sunset District, he was a graduate of Holy Name of Jesus Grammar School and attended Archbishop Riordan High School. Joe served the citizens of San Francisco for 31 years as a member of the San Francisco Police Department from 1969 to 2000. Joe inherited his father's love for the game of golf and was known for his long drives off of the tee. He was one of the SFPD's most prolific softball players, hitting with power to all fields . He also had a passion for coaching sports, which began in San Francisco as a youth baseball coach and continued throughout his life in Marin and Sonoma counties where he coached Little League Baseball, Pop Warner Football, Park and Recreation Girls Basketball and Flag Football teams for many years. Joe was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Edward. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen, and her children Rick (Tara) Cox and Deanne "Missy" (Allen) Brunetta. He is also survived by his children Joseph (Nicole) Engler, Stephen (Anne) Engler, Kerry (Martin) Slattery and Deborah (Robert) Royer. Joe is survived by his brother William (Constance) Engler and his sisters Jean (Lou) Etcheverry, Maureen (Terry) Spithill and Virginia Wolfe. Joe will be deeply missed by his adoring grandchildren, Jacob, Mikayla and Colette Royer; Ian, Thomas and Colum Slattery; Savannah, Zachary, Isabella, Keira, Analiese and Joey Engler; Austin, Mason and Brice Cox; and Jackson Brunetta. Joe dedicated his life to helping others. He was an advocate for those who struggled with addiction and mental health issues. As a police officer, he served over 11 years as a member of the SFPD Stress Unit, an assignment which allowed him to assist and mentor police officers coping with post traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse related problems, relationship and grief counseling. In retirement, he continued his service as a counselor at the Lytton Springs Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center. Joe lived his life with a genuine care and concern for others. He laughed easily and had a big, infectious smile. He chose to spend his free time in his retirement years as his grandchildren's number one fan at their numerous sporting events, recitals and competitions. He continued his service and participation in his community as a volunteer with the Kiwanis Club of Healdsburg and as a member of the Healdsburg Sons in Retirement, a local golfing group. His family is deeply grateful to their many friends for their love and support. Friends and family are invited to attend the Funeral Mass, Monday, September 16, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 35 Liberty St., Petaluma, CA 94952. A Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 15, 2013 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the PARENT-SORENSEN MORTUARY & CREMATORY, 850 Keokuk St., Petaluma, CA 94952 with a Vigil Service at 6:00 p.m. at St. Vincent's Church. Memorial contributions may be made in Joe's memory to the San Francisco Police Athletic League at www.sfpal.org ; the Kiwanis Club of Healdsburg at www.healdsburgkiwanis.org ; the Lytton Springs Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center at www.lytton.satruck.org or your favorite charity.