Obituary of Michael English

Michael Patrick English, 68 years of age, died on Sunday, August 5, 2018 at home surrounded by family and friends after a courageous battle against cancer. Michael was born on December 4, 1949 and was the son of the late Jack English and Rita Haefner. A lifelong resident of South Plainfield Michael dedicated his life to his hometown. In 1978 he was elected to the town council and served as a council member through 1983. Later that year Michael was elected Mayor and served until 1986. As Mayor, his goal was to complete three major initiatives - finish Spring Lake Park, streamline traffic on Hamilton Boulevard and develop a master plan. All three were accomplished. After his years of municipal service, Michael was elected to the South Plainfield Board of Education and, for a time, served as President. Later, Michael was selected as the Borough of South Plainfield Recreation Director and worked to improve many athletic programs particularly growing the Police Athletic League, which had been started by, among others, his father and uncle. After graduating from high school, Mike furthered his education at St. Joseph's University in Pennsylvania where he earned his B. A. Upon his completion of college, Mike became a a high school teacher and taught in several schools throughout central Jersey, including South Plainfield High School. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Susan (Pirozzoli), who he married in 1973, siblings; Jack and wife Mary of Watchung, Tom and wife Ellen of Point Peasant Beach, Patrick and wife Susan of Point Pleasant and his sister Rita Gaynor and husband Jack of South Plainfield. In addition to his wife and siblings, Mike also leaves behind his sons; Shawn and Brian and his daughter-in-law Jenna as well as his four grandchildren; Aidan, Bryce, Connor and Teagan all of South Plainfield all of whom he enjoyed spending time with in his later years. He often reminded others of the words he recited from "Desiderata" by Max Ehrmann at his wedding: "Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons." Family and friends are welcome to gather for visitation on Wednesday, August 8, 2018 from 5:00 to 9:00pm at the McCriskin Gustafson Home for Funerals 2425 Plainfield Avenue, South Plainfield. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Thursday, August 9, 2018 at The Church of The Sacred Heart, South Plainfield. Family and friends are welcome to gather at the funeral home beginning at 10:00 AM. Following mass cremation services will be held privately.