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Memorial Notice: Edward Engelberg

04/26/2016 02:15:00 PM

Apr26

I am sorry to share that Edward Engelberg, father of BK member Stephen Engelberg, passed away on Sunday at the age of 87. 


By Kelly House | The Oregonian/OregonLive

Edward Engelberg's life accomplishments included a Fulbright scholarship, a storied career in academia, six published books, three children, seven granddaughters and decades of devotion to New England's professional sports teams.

Success didn't come easy. To achieve it, Engelberg, of Northeast Portland, overcame an impoverished childhood as a German refugee in Brooklyn with no English language skills and only one surviving parent.

"He was often daunted, but never bowed," said his son, Stephen Engelberg. "That kind of inner grit and determination was remarkable."

But at the root, Edward Engelberg owed all his life's success – possibly its very existence – to a portrait by an obscure German artist.

Engelberg died Sunday, four months after recovering the long‑lost portrait that disappeared decades ago to secure his Jewish family's escape from the Nazis. He was 87.

An Oregonian/OregonLive story in November detailed the hunt that reunited Engelberg with the painting. 


The funeral service was today in Portland, Oregon.

A final night of shiva will be held Sunday night at Gabrielle and Steve's house at 378 Upper Mountain Avenue, beginning at 5 pm.

Thu, March 28 2024 18 Adar II 5784