Todd Michael English

Jan. 22, 1964  —  July 10, 2008

PITTSBURGH, Pa. — Todd Michael English, 44, of Pittsburgh, Pa., formerly of Columbus, Ohio and Montrose, Colo., died suddenly of heart failure on July 10, 2008.

Born on Jan. 22, 1964, Todd was raised on his family’s farm in Montrose, Colo. After graduating from Montrose High School in 1982, where he was a State champion Extemporaneous Speaker and national qualifier in the Lincoln-Douglas debate, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in English from the University of Dallas, Master’s and PhD, abd, from Ohio State University, a Professional Nursing Degree from-and was currently studying to become a nurse practitioner at-the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC).  He dedicated his life to the service of others beginning as a professor of English and Writing at Ohio State University, and most recently in the field of nursing where he was Nurse Manager of the Community Re-integration for Offenders with Mental illness and Substance Abuse (CROMISA) Inpatient residence program at UPMC.

He is survived by his loving parents, Michael and Heidi English of Montrose, Colo.; sister, Mishell Atkinson and family of Littleton, Colo.; and by aunts, uncles, cousins and numerous friends in Colorado, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts and Germany.

Preceding him in death were his grandparents, several aunts and uncles; and his very best friend, Charles Williams.

Todd will be remembered first and foremost for his love and loyalty to his family and friends. All who knew him, but especially his students and his patients, will remember his compassion and kindness.  Described as a “kind, gentle, intelligent man” who was compared to a “…bright, shining star among us,” Todd loved music and was an accomplished classical pianist, a talented chef and generously gave his time as a volunteer to his church, and as a member of the choir. He never lost his awe and appreciation for his beloved Colorado Mountains, animals and especially his life-long hobby of reading and the pursuit of knowledge.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on July 28, 2008, at 10 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Montrose, Colo.

In lieu of flowers, his family has asked that contributions be made to breast cancer; Bosom Buddies, P.O. Box 1263, Montrose, CO 81402 in memory of Todd English.

Arrangements are being handled by Crippin Funeral Home, 802 E. Main St., Montrose, CO 81401 (970) 249-2121.