Sheldon A. Engel, born in Chicago on April 2, 1929, passed away Thursday, December 26, 2002, at his home in Phoenix. Shel is survived by his daughters, Shari Bayomi and Stacy (Tom) Iveson, grandsons Nader and Jared, sisters Dr. Glorianne Engel and Dr. Annette Engel, former wife Sue Engel, and his stepchildren Carrie Clark, William Carter, and Michael Vaughn. His sister Rosalie Engel preceded him in death. After leading the junior ROTC at Harrison High School in Chicago, Shel moved to Phoenix in 1946. He became an Arizona media and marketing pioneer. Shel worked for The Arizona Times newspaper and created his successful publication, Car Talk. He built KALF 1320 AM in Mesa, managed KXIV, and was the former state director of the Emergency Broadcast Network. Shel moved to Tucson in the early 1970s to manage KTKT 990 AM. His company, Engel Marketing, also produced University of Arizona football, basketball, and baseball broadcasts for the Wildcat Radio Network. Shel was recently nominated to join the Arizona Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame.

Shel also enjoyed playing competitive contract bridge; he loved the Chicago Cubs and became a tremendous U of A Wildcat softball fan. Funeral services will be held at 10 am on Sunday, December 29th, at Sinai Mortuary, 4538 North 16th Street in Pheonix, with a burial to follow at Temple Beth Israel Cemetery. Rabbi Albert Plotkin will be officiating. Contributions in Shel’s memory may be made to Temple Beth Israel, 10460 North 56th Street, Scottsdale, Arizona 85253, or City of Hope, 7900 East Greenway Road #207, Scottsdale, Arizona 85260.

Published by The Arizona Republic on Dec. 28, 2002.