John M. Engelman

John M. Engelman, 80, of Torrance, died peacefully on Sunday, August 3, 2014 surrounded by his loving family, following a prolonged battle with Alzheimer's disease. John was born in Rotterdam, the Netherlands to Johannes and Marie Engelman, the 3rd of their 6 children. He survived the bombing of Rotterdam in World War 2 as a child, but was separated from his family for a year before being reunited. He married Hilda M. Vakkers, the love of his life, in 1956, and they celebrated 58 years of marriage this past April. John and Hilda immigrated to the United States in 1960 and became naturalized citizens in 1984. John is survived by his wife, Hilda; his son, Roelof (Wanda) of Torrance; daughters, Karin Accomando of Rolling Hills Estates and Jennifer Hutchings (Al) of Rancho Palos Verdes; as well as grandchildren, Jason, Anneke, Rhianna, Sarah, Emily, John (J.J.) and Olivia. He has three great-grandchildren. John started Engelman Electric Co. in 1962 and was considered by many of his friends to be the hardest working man they have ever known. His passions included real estate investment, flying, music, and traveling back to the Netherlands to visit family and friends. John was also an avid collector of European antiques. Providing for and spoiling his family was something he loved more than anything else. John was a devoted husband and father, and the family has wonderful memories of annual vacations traveling and cruising the world together. Services to be held on Thursday, August 7th at 10:00am at St. Lawrence Martyr Catholic Church at 1900 S. Prospect Ave. in Redondo Beach, CA 90277. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Alzheimer research.

Funeral Home:
Green Hills Mortuary and Memorial Chapel
27501 S.Western Ave.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
US 90275