Obituary of Eleanor Beatini English
Eleanor Beatini English
Gibsonia, PA - Eleanor Beatini English Ed.D., formerly of Olean, passed away peacefully Friday (October 27, 2017).
Born on August 14, 1931 in Seneca Falls, NY, she was the only child of Peter and Bruna Sufferdini Beatini. On October 15, 1955 in Seneca Falls she married Joseph C. English who predeceased her April 30, 1992.
Dr. English attended Mynderse Academy High School Class of 1949. She attended SUNY Brockport and earned a Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education in 1953, a Masters of Science in Physical Education from Ithaca College in 1965 and a Master of Arts in Guidance and Counseling (1970) as well as a Masters of Science in Education (1988) at St. Bonaventure University. She earned her doctorate degree (Ed.D) at SUNY Buffalo in 1978 where she was awarded the Dean's Award for the Outstanding Graduate student. Dr. English taught physical education at all levels from elementary school to college. She was on the faculty at Kent State University (1979-81) but spent the majority of her career at St. Bonaventure University until her retirement.
Her life was dedicated to educating others. While at St. Bonaventure she achieved the rank of Full Professor and served as the Director of Graduate Education (1993-1996). She was the first women to serve in the role as Chair of the Faculty Senate (1994-98) and had been involved with university regional accreditation for over 10 years, as well as being instrumental in the development of the University's Clare College curriculum.
The family nominated her for the Wall of Fame at the National Women's Hall of Fame in her home town of Seneca Falls, NY in 1993. The Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesus Order of the Friars minor honored her with The Francis Medal in 2008 for uncommon contribution, generosity, and sacrifice for the enrichment of our human family in advancing the values, ideals and spirit of St. Francis of Assisi. Dr. English was very involved in professional activities; presenting at national and international conferences, research, and co-authoring two books. She spent many summers doing research at The Colleges of the University of Oxford in England.
She is survived by daughters, Susan English of Mansfield, TX and Pamela English of Temple TX; and son Dr. Joseph C. English III with his wife Michelle and three grandchildren, Joseph, Jackson and Magdelyn, all of Gibsonia.
In addition to her husband she was preceded in death by her parents and her daughter Judith.
Friends will be received on Wednesday November 8th from 4-6pm at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, 3128 W. State Rd. Olean. A funeral mass will be held at the St. Bonaventure University Chapel at 11am on Thursday November 9, 2017. Fr. Francis DiSpigno, OFM, will be the principal celebrant. Burial will be at the St. Bonaventure Cemetery where she will be interned next to her husband.
In lieu of flowers the family recommends contributions to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (www.alzfdn.orf) or Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org) for continued research for the prevention and treatment of dementia. Condolences available at oleanfuneralhome.com.
