Dr. David Engel

Dr. David Engel, 90, of Morehead City, passed away on Friday, February 13, 2026, at The Cottages of Swansboro.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

First and foremost, David was a family man – active in the lives of his children. He liked to bake biscuits from scratch and cook the fish he caught. He also loved his evening Martini’s. He coached his children’s soccer teams. David was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Morehead City.

His recreational activities included surf fishing and biking (and competing) in the local Senior Games. He also loved woodworking and would spend hours in his workshop – building crosses, side tables and boxes.

To his family, we refer to him as our loveable grouch!

In his later years, when our mom got sick, our father was her constant caregiver. His dedication to her care was nothing but heroic and a testament to how long she lived.

A marine biologist, David worked at the NOAA Beaufort Laboratory, where he contributed to the study and preservation of marine ecosystems. He attended Ohio Wesleyan for his undergraduate degree. Dave got his Master’s at Duke University. It’s also where he met his wife, Sherry. Next, he went to NC State University for his PhD.

He is survived by his son, Donald Engel and wife Diane of Fredericksburg, Va; Daughter, Mary Engel Mills and husband Andrew of Mt. Pleasant, SC; daughter Anna Engel Mitchum and husband, Joseph of Emerald Isle; nine grandchildren: Daniel Engel and wife, Sage of Virginia Beach, VA; Jonathan Engel of Richmond, VA; Hannah Mills; Wesley Mills; Noah Mills all of Atlanta, GA; Kathleen Mitchum and husband, Isaac Yassky of Brooklyn, NY; Emma Mitchum of Durham, NC; Anna Claire Mitchum of Brooklyn, NY; Isabella Mitchum of Raleigh, NC; and great grandson, Durham Engel of Virginia Beach, VA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Ferne Engel; his wife, Sherry Engel; and sister, Kathie Prosser.

Condolences and life tributes may be sent to the family at www.noebrooks.net

Arrangements by Noe-Brooks Funeral Home & Crematory of Morehead City, NC.