Alfred M. English

NILES - Alfred “Al” Milo English 92, departed this life on Friday, February 26, 2021. He was born on April 6, 1928, the eldest son of Milo Alfred English and Nora Pitts English. Al grew up in Sinnemahoning, Pennsylvania.  He moved to Niles in 1943, where he met Lois Crawford. The two were married February 15, 1951 and recently celebrated their 70th anniversary.

A World War II veteran, Al served in the Army Air Force, where he was a hydraulic shop foreman 1271st Air Transport Squadron, earning the rank of sergeant. Serving his country was one of his proudest accomplishments, and he remained involved in veteran’s organizations. He was a longtime member and former vice commander of the American Legion William McKinley Post 106.

Al started working at the age of 14 for the Pennsylvania Railroad. During high school, he worked at McDonald Steel (then Carnegie Steel) in the morning before attending his classes. Upon returning from the service, he worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad and Packard Electric before beginning a 30-year career with Republic Steel (then LTV). After retiring from Republic, he worked for Bailey Controls Company (1985-89) then St. Joseph Hospital as Maintenance Supervisor (1989-94).

He traveled to Kenya and the Dominican Republic for work. Al and Lois also made trips to the U.S. Virgin Islands, Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Alaska, Hawaii and many other locations within the U.S. He enjoyed visits to the camp in Sinnemahoning and family reunions. He could often be found in his garage, restoring his 1930 Model A Ford, or out in the backyard, tending his garden or pruning his apple trees.

Al was many things to many people - Soldier. Engineer. Builder. Handyman. To us, his loving family, he was a husband, father and grandfather. He taught us to be at home in nature, to fish, to garden and to ride a tractor. Most importantly, he taught us to work hard and be proud of who we are. He was and remains an inspiration to us, an example of strength, wisdom and unshakeable resolve.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Lois Crawford English; three children, Patricia (Dennis) DeVer of Carlisle, Charles (Chong) English of Niles, Robert (Karen) English of Niles; six grandchildren, Melanie (Brad) Kavalunas of Miamisburg, Michael (Allana) Bowman of Howland, Angela (Alan) Ryder of Vail, Arizona, David English of Tucson, Arizona, Mathew (Crystal) English of Summerton, Tennessee, Bethany (Alex) Sava of Tallmadge; 10 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; his sister, Ruth Ralston of Girard and many loving nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Milo and Nora, and three siblings Clelia Crawford, Margaret Jean Watkins and James English.

The funeral will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 4, 2021 at the Holeton-Yuhasz Funeral Home.  Hospice of the Valley Chaplain Becky Hudak will officiate. Friends may call from 10 to 11 a.m., prior to service. Private burial at Pineview Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Alfred to Hospice of the Valley.  Visit holetonyuhasz.com to view this tribute and share condolences with the family.

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