Marguerite Jean English was born and raised in Los Altos, California, the youngest of four children born to Mike and Ann English. Due to a severe bout of meningitis as a baby, Maggie had serious health and learning issues throughout her life. She attended The Morgan Center School for many years. Maggie was so dearly loved by her family and is missed every day. Maggie died of COVID/respiratory failure on April 24th, 2020.
Michael Thomas English was born and raised in Norwalk, Connecticut, where he was a part of a big Italian family. He attended Catholic school in Norwalk. He was in the Engineering program at University of Bridgeport in Connecticut, graduating at the top of his class with degrees in mechanical and electrical engineering. He was also a member of Mensa.
Mike's senior year of college was sidetracked when his Navy reserveship was activated to be part of the Russian Blockade in Cuba. He spent a year and a half in Cuba and at sea in the Caribbean and the North Sea. At the end of his tour, Mike was offered an appointment to Naval O.C.S. which he declined, preferring to finish college.
Prior to graduation, Mike was offered jobs by G.E. and Honeywell. He went with G.E. and moved to Schenectady, New York.
While attending University of Bridgeport, Mike met Ann Meade, a freshman newly arrived from California. They married in 1964, living in New York, Minneapolis, settling in California, Mike then with Honeywell.
At 40, Mike, with a partner, started his own company in San Francisco. Automatic Controls Engineering grew to be successful, designing systems in many of the new structures in the city, Levi Plaza being one of Mike's first big engineering projects in San Francisco.
The company eventually opened a branch in Seoul, South Korea, when Mike contracted with Hyundai to design their electrical pneumatic systems in their new factories.
Mike sold his company and San Francisco building in the late 1980's and "sort of" retired, spending time in Santa Cruz where he and his sons built a new home on the family beach property.
Mike was very proud of his Italian heritage, spending time in Italy whenever possible. His last trip was to Sicily where he visited his ancestral hometown, Cefalu.
Mike died September 17th, 2020, from complications from Parkinsons and heart issues. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Ann (Meade) English and by three of his four children: Michael English (Jennifer), Amy English Schenk (Steve), Christian English (Kelley) and by six grandchildren: Phoebe, Joseph, Jack, Christian, Lucy and Luke, all of whom adored their "Mac" and spent time with him throughout and were with him during his last few days.
Mike will be remembered for his wonderful humor and his great sense of fun. Our hearts are broken by their loss.