Obituary of John A. English

It is with great sadness that the family of John Adam English announce the passing of their patriarch and hero. John passed away peacefully on September 18, 2018 surrounded by his family.

John will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 60 years, Frances English, and his six children, Lisa (Michael) Sweeney, John (Marjaneh) English , Bradley (Aimee) English, Victoria (William) English-Flanagan, William English, and Alyssa (William) English-Tway. "Pop" will also be forever remembered by his 15 grandchildren: Sean, Ryan, Dylan, Shannon, John, Samantha, Michael, Jillian, Justin, Isabelle, Jack, Connor, Caroline, Adam, and Faith. He will also be fondly remembered by his sister, Joan Breves, and by his nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, and friends- too numerous to count.  John was predeceased by his parents, William and Alice English, and his brothers, Thomas and William.

John was born in Brooklyn on February 22, 1931. He was a member of the New York City Police Department for over 20 years and retired as a Sergeant. John also served in the Air Force during the Korean War. John was proud to have served the city and country he loved, and would often regale family and friends with stories of his time as a cop.

John, however, was most proud of marrying Frances, which he would certainly tell anyone was his life's greatest accomplishment. He also loved raising his huge and extended family with Frances by his side. He was the ultimate family man. Despite having 6 children and 15 grandchildren, John never missed any special event,  no matter how big or small. He could always be counted on to be at every birthday, show, recital, or graduation- usually in the background videotaping.

He was also a man of great faith and believed deeply in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He took his faith as a Christian seriously and demonstrated this through his actions. When you were in need, John was the first to pray over you, babysit your children, visit you, cook for you, or help you move (often into his own home).

Finally, John will be remembered by all as a larger-than-life character. He was the life of every party and brought laughter wherever he went. His life is the kind that one aspires to lead: one fully-lived, surrounded by family and friends, with deep and abiding faith in God. While his family and friends are saddened by their loss, they take joy in knowing that the streets of heaven are currently resounding with his rendition of "Danny Boy."

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in John's honor to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the EWTN, or the Catholic Medical Mission Board. Please follow the links in order to make a donation online.

The visitation for Mr. English will be held at Marine Park Funeral Home on Thursday September 20, 2018 from 6:00 - 9:00 PM and Friday September 21, 2018 from 2:00 - 5:00 PM & 7:00 - 9:00 PM. The Funeral Mass will be on Saturday September 22, 2018 9:45 AM at Good Shepherd Roman Catholic Church - the family will be meeting at the funeral home by 8:45 AM. The Committal Service and Military Honors will be at Green-Wood Crematory.