Matt Andrew Engel

Matt Andrew Engel, 77 of Orlando, FL passed away peacefully on February 10, 2025. Matt was born in Philadelphia, PA to Beatrice and Harry Engel on August 26, 1947. Matt grew up in South Florida where he attended and graduated from Palmetto High School, class of 1965. Matt pursued a Civil Engineering degree at Purdue University in West Lafayette, however, just shy of graduation, he realized Civil Engineering was no longer his passion and returned home to Miami to join the US Coast Guard as a diesel mechanic. His new endeavor took him to far away places; West Coast of the United States, Alaska, North Pole, Florida Keys, and then back to Miami where he was assigned to guard President Nixon's house on the coast. After his service in the coast guard, Matt developed an interest in aviation and pursued a career as an air traffic controller at both Miami Center and Miami Tower and then became a pilot for Trans Air Link where he flew cargo planes transversing the Caribbean. Then in 1991, Matt relocated to Orlando, FL working for AirTran Airways and later Capital Cargo. Finally, upon retirement, Matt decided to keep busy working part time teaching Hazardous Materials Shipping training for all land, sea, and air shipping. This was where he was affectionately given the nickname "HazMatt." Matt enjoyed life to the fullest and was not afraid to embrace speed and adventure. His hobbies and passion included thrill seeking, high power, high performance toys! As a daredevil starting at age 14 he got his first motorcycle and was thrilled to add in true form to his passion a Donzi powerboat, a sailboat, airplanes, a 1967 Pontiac GTO, multiple Porsches and a variety of Triumph and BMW motorcycles throughout his life. Those who knew Matt will remember him for his infectious smile, his deep-rooted love of aviation, and his unwavering commitment to being with his son, Curtis, who like his Father shares the same thrill-seeking passion. He had a rare gift for making others laugh with his witty remarks, his unwavering dinner schedule, and never holding back his true thoughts. Matt is survived by; His son Curtis and siblings Karen, Lisa, and Bradley. The celebration of life to honor Matt Andrew Engel will be held at A Community Funeral Home on February 21st, 2025, at 3pm. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Although Matt's physical presence may no longer grace our lives, his spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us. May his memory be a blessing, and may we carry forth his legacy of love and compassion in all that we do! Matt, your life will forever shine brightly in our hearts.

Matt Andrew Engel

August 26, 1947 - February 10, 2025