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Bernard ANZEL Obituary

ANZEL, Bernard M. Feb 7, 1932-Nov 18, 2012 (80) Bernie was born in the Bronx, NY to Esther and Harry Anzel. He graduated from Stuyvesant High School, received his BS in EE from The Cooper Union and his MS in EE from USC. He is survived by his wife, Cynthia; son Matthew; daughter Laura (David) Rouillard; three granddaughters; stepdaughter Rachel Hudson and her three children; and sister Renee (Harvey) Fishman of New Jersey. Bernie started his career at Hughes Aircraft Company and retired from Boeing in 2008. He was presented the Lawrence A. Hyland Patent Award in 1996 for major contributions to the invention, development and improvement of: Geosynchronous Satellite Orbit Control. He had eleven patents. Bernie was a morning regular at the Spectrum Athletic Club in El Segundo; an avid handball player; loved his big-band music and he and wife Cynthia loved to cruise and travel, Australia being their favorite. Bernie was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome in April 2011 and recently evolved into acute myeloid leukemia. He was at home in El Segundo when he lost his battle surrounded by family and his wonderful St. Jacob Hospice nurse, Mari. Interment at Hillside Memorial is private. A celebration of life will be planned for the future. Anyone wishing to donate blood in his name would be appreciated by family and the Red Cross as he was having blood transfusions frequently.

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Published by Los Angeles Times on Nov. 25, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Bernard ANZEL

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Andrew Edwards

November 19, 2023

Eleven years.........time flies too fast. I imagine he is still playing handball in the great court in the sky! With a couple of cocktails to relax afterwards. Time may fly so fast but Bernie is not forgotten to his orbit dynamics pupils in Australia as a great mentor and even more wonderful character!

Matthew Anzel

November 10, 2017

Dad, been almost 5 years missing you so so much!

Anita Molina

August 15, 2013

God Bless Pops in the Heavens above

August 15, 2013

Well Dad It's been almost a year and I think about you every single day and I wish you were here right now! Your also the smartest man I ever knew and will ever know! I'm proud to be an ANZEL and honored to be your son! I Love and Miss You so much Dad........

Koichi Sasahara

March 3, 2013

I know your obituary recently.
When I first met you in 1987, you were the teacher of Orbital Dynamics course. Long time has passed. The class was always full of wit I remember and it was my pleasure. I was able to be involved in the work of the orbit analysis because there was you. Thank you Bernie. Rest in peace, please.

December 30, 2012

I always loved you& have had great respect for you since I was eighteen yrs. of age. You were a great brother in law... and what a sense of humor..seems strange but, yet I feel like I'm still connected to you by driving your car.. Love to you in Heaven My deepest regards to Cindy..Marilyn Wolff

Standing left to right: Bill Snyder, Bo Wandzura, Mike Schecter, Carolyn Shallon, Murray, Jerry, Bernie. Seated: Murray Neufeld

Murray Thompson

December 29, 2012

Clockwise from left: Bernie, Hugh Wright, Steve Sparks, Janice Kush, Randy Warnier, Carolyn, Jerry, Ron Cox, Roger Cole

Murray Thompson

December 29, 2012

Clockwise from top left: Bernie, Bo Wandzura & Bill Hope, Murray Thompson, Bernie, Bernie, Caroline Shallon. Center: Bernie.

Andrew Edwards

December 28, 2012

kirsten leyva

December 28, 2012

Rip Mr. Anzel!... God bless your soul...

Cecilia Danel

December 28, 2012

.. my deepest sympathy . Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

My Dad and Daughter Brittany when she was one year old

Matthew Anzel

December 28, 2012

Matthew Anzel

December 28, 2012

Matthew Anzel

December 28, 2012

Matthew Anzel

December 28, 2012

My Dad Bernie and Beautiful wife Cindy! Newlyweds

Matthew Anzel

December 28, 2012

Matthew Anzel

December 28, 2012

December 27, 2012

December 25, 2012

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December 25, 2012

I miss you Dad, more than I know how to convey in words... You had such a way of keeping me grounded! I still think I can call you and reach for the phone often! I appreciate all you have taught me, done for me, and helped me with. I have a hole in my heart that only a father can fill! I love you!!!

December 25, 2012

:)

Hillary

December 25, 2012

Papa, I love and miss you very much. Not having you here feels very strange, but you will always be with us in spirit and in our hearts and memories. I have many great (and funny) memories with you, and am very thankful that you were in my life. I have learned a lot from you, and I am enjoying reading all of the wonderful things others have to say about you too. You have clearly made such a positive and influential impact on so many lives, and even though you are incredibly missed, the lessons and memories we have because of you will undoubtedly live on. I don't believe in “goodbyes” with the people you love, I believe that your spirit lives on and that someday we will meet again. I love and miss you, Papa. <3

A relaxing night having dinner in with Papa Bernie.

Danielle Rouillard

December 25, 2012

Papa taught me many lessons on life, but the one that stuck most was his "Pleasure to Aggravation Ratio"... maximize pleasure, minimize aggravation, especially as you get older. Whether he was teaching me Gin Rummy, making me a tuna sandwich and ginger ale, or playing with me and Simka and Bert (two stuffed monkeys), being with my papa was always a pleasure. He even taught me how to whistle. A smart, handsome papa, who I know loved us and was as proud of our accomplishments as we were of his. I miss him every day, and I know the memories and lessons he's taught me, (and an appreciation for a good tuna sandwich) will live on in our family for generations.

Family & friends over the years

December 16, 2012

Bernie at home Nov 2011

December 16, 2012

Bernie 2010 on the high seas having dinner

December 16, 2012

Granddaughter Brittany and Bernie Nov 2011

December 16, 2012

Kal Klatte

December 12, 2012

Bernie, Bernie, Bernie,
We played handball once every week starting at the Westchester Y in the late '60's, then at the Manhattan Athletic Club, then the Spectrum Club. Your only failing was not drinking beer afterwards; it had to be scotch. I remember I could not call you at the office after lunch since that was nap time. We had many long conversations about how we were conducting our lives; I remember them still. RIP.

Murray Buranen

December 12, 2012

Well "Bern" you beat me again on the court and now you lead the way for the rest of us mortals. Alway enjoyed your comments and jestures. After you would roll one out on me you would say "shot from the hip". Heard that too many times. Lunch at the bowling alley and having "same ting" (tuna sand.) You touched many peoples hearts with your humor and love for life. I'm thankful to have been one of those people. Condolences to Cindi and family.

Bruce Shuman

December 11, 2012

I knew Bernie for 35 years as a co-worker and friend, and he had insights both about work and about life that were entertaining and accurate. The accurate part is a rare quality. Most people are optimistic or pessimistic, but Bernie was realistic. He had a unique ability to see things the way they are, and I listened very closely to what he said. I will miss him and his wisdom very much, and consider myself lucky to have known him.

Don Rothgery

December 10, 2012

I met Bernie at the Westchester YMCA about 1970 playing the great game of handball. Bernie was one of a kind. I have many fond memories of how he could make me laugh and laugh hard. A good man, and one we will all surely miss. Not just his handball buddies, but anyone that got to know him. Bernie, thanks for being a friend of mine for over 40 years! Bernie, you'll be happy to know that I've been having the same "ting" for breakfast for many years.

John Solberg

December 10, 2012

Oh! The calls on the handball court, the lunches at the bowling alley, same "ting" Tuna sandwich. And the two scotches, no more no less at the club bar. What a guy. We'll remember him fondly.
John & Claudia Solberg

Bernie's daughter Laura & family

December 10, 2012

John Nicola

December 9, 2012

Bernie will be missed by all his handball buddies. As a group we played together for 20 years. He always enjoyed his cocktails and a good game. I'll miss seeing him in his black leather jacket laughing with us. I'll have a tuna sandwich and beer for him at lunch.

Karen Moore

December 9, 2012

I am inspired by Bernie's love of life. He was truly happy to live each day and so enjoyed his time with his beloved Cynthia and his family. His delightful sense of humor made it a joy to spend time with him. Karen Moore

Cynthia's daughter Rachel and her family

December 7, 2012

Daughter Laura & granddaughters

December 7, 2012

Amazon River Dec 2010 Our last cruise

December 7, 2012

Son Matt & Bernie at home

Cynthia Anzel

December 6, 2012

Doris Krimgold

December 6, 2012

Bernie's keen sense of humor,kindness and inquisitive mind will always be remembered. With Cynthia's constant love and support, Bernie was able to handle the ordeal of his disease with strength,dignity and courage. I will miss him.

Doris Krimgold

Gary & Debby Nelson

December 5, 2012

Dear Cyndi,
We go back to before there was a 'Bernie and Cyndi' seeing it was my wife (at the time) and I that introduced you two to each other. We'll miss Bernie a great deal. We played handball together for probably 30 years.
And I never did beat him! (His analysis
not mine...) He was a great guy with a lot of knowledge and humor. I know all the handball players will miss him and each one would have a story or two about Bernie. I certainly hope they have some good courts where ever he is.
Love to Cyndi

Gary and Debby Nelson

Jennifer Sonderfan

December 4, 2012

At 22, fresh out of college, Bernie was one of the first people that I worked with. He taught me so much about aerospace that I have taken with me throughout my career, but he also taught me a lot about life. He always told it like it was and always cracked me up -he will be missed

Carlos & Gloria Cuadra

December 3, 2012

Dear Cynthia,

We are so sorry for your loss. From what we read, Bernie was indeed a wonderful man. We hope Marrowforums has been a helpful source of information for you. I have forwarded your message to Neil.

Dave Stumpo

December 3, 2012

It was an honor to have known and worked with Bernie. I got to know him when I first started my career at Hughes. He was a good mentor and friend. As I look back over my career and the many projects I worked on, working with Bernie was one of the most enjoyable and memorable.

Anthony Belo

December 2, 2012

Bernie made an impression on everyone that he met. I feel privileged to have learnt from his wisdom in his orbit dynamics lessons as well as his famous anecdotes. My sincere condolences go out to his family.

Patty Bergthold

November 30, 2012

My deepest sympathies to Bernie's family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Jeff Noel

November 29, 2012

I really loved every moment that I spent with Bernie. I always came away cracking up, or at least smiling. I am really going to miss him.

Carrie Hartman

November 29, 2012

I learned so much from Bernie that I apply almost daily at work and in life. Bernie had a wonderful sense of humor that makes me smile just thinking about it. Bernie, Thank you for everything!

Jim Butterworth

November 29, 2012

I'll remember Bernie as someone who was always willing to help me understand and a great wit who would always bring a smile to my face. I still remember our first meeting in his office in S41 where he explained to me how the company "really" worked. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends.

Marc Tillman

November 29, 2012

Bernie had an amazing combination of wisdom and humor that he was always willing to share. He taught us much about astrodynamics, but even more about life. I am grateful to have had the joyful experience of working with him.

Ben Mui

November 28, 2012

Bernie was a mentor in both the technical and practical aspects of life and work. Bernie never had anything to hide - he told it like it was, every time. I enjoyed learning from him early in my career, and I am deeply saddened that he has passed on. His legacy of innovation and implementation of orbital mechanics principles will be in my thoughts every time I turn on the TV and take for granted the physics that enables modern communications via satellite. Thank you for everything, Bernie.

Nancy & Charles Burnette

November 28, 2012

Through the years we have heard much about Bernie and regret we were never able to meet him. Our prayers and sympathy are with you.

Richard Lense

November 28, 2012

A great Yankee fan, a good friend, devoted husband and father, we will all miss you. It was my privilege to know you.

Dean Hope

November 28, 2012

I first met Bernie as an orbit dynamics student in LA in 1983. A wonderful teacher with a cheeky wit but above all, a pioneering Flight Dymnamicist who will be sorely missed.

London, UK

November 28, 2012

RIP MR ANZEL

Matthew Anzel

November 28, 2012

Dad i love and miss you very much you will be in me forever in more ways than 1 im so sad but yet relieved you are now pain free. Your the reason I can sing and every song I do from now on will be for you! I Love You Dad!!

Beth (Fishman) Adamkiewicz

November 27, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with you, Aunt Cynthia and your family and my cousins. I am very glad my mother was able to see Uncle Bernie last month or so when she was there, I know that means a lot to her. I am truly very sorry for your loss. With Love,

John Weiner

November 27, 2012

My favorite image of Bernie is the sight of him laughing! He would turn so red and laugh so hard that he couldn't talk, nor could others in the room with him. His perspectives were unique and so readily shared, often more than once. Bernie was also a great teacher, whether it be orbital dynamics, the NY Yankees, or a chapter of life's lessons. Bernie will live on in so many ways!

David and Shelly Flynn

November 27, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.

Tim Douglas

November 27, 2012

Bernie was a revelation and an inspiration - he would bring dazzling creativity to bear to solve problems in his own way, on his own terms, but still had the patience and grace to bring the rest of us along with him. He'll be dearly missed.

Paul Tompkins

November 27, 2012

Bernie was truly one of the fathers of geosynchronous orbit control, and became a mentor for many of us in the orbital analysis and operations team at Hughes and later at Boeing. His classic advice on succeeding in life - the three S's (ask someone who received Bernie's advice) - was typical of Bernie's wit, character, and common-sense wisdom. We'll miss you Bernie...

Chris Cutroneo

November 27, 2012

Bernie was my first mentor in astrodynamics when I first joined his group at Hughes in 1982. He taught me an incredible amount about orbital planning and mission design that I've not forgotten to this day. And so many stories too...each time I remember one I have to smile.

Thanks Bernie, for everything. You won't be forgotten.

Dan Villani

November 27, 2012

For many people, you can say, "the world is a duller place without him." Given Bernie's contributions to the field, you can add "and so are most of the inner planets!" A brilliant engineer, a fascinating person. Absolutely one of a kind.

Stan Kent

November 27, 2012

Working with Bernie was always such a great treat because of his blunt honesty and wonderful wit - a great role model who'll be missed by all

Myron Klafter

November 27, 2012

You will be missed. i enjoyed our vists and discussions. Say hello to Benny Goodman and all the other greats you enjoyed

Mac McClintock

November 27, 2012

I've had the privilege to have known Bernie for 14 short years. I have learned much from him on a personal and professional level. I'm really going to miss the humor.

Steve Cezus

November 27, 2012

One of the greats, miss you Bernie.

November 27, 2012

My brother--your death has left a void that can only be filled with memories--I am so glad we were able to see you before. My love goes with you and my heart is with my dear sister-in-law and the rest of the family. Renee

Mike Fiorentino

November 26, 2012

Bernie and I were fellow Handball players for over 25 years. In that sport we all were on a level playing field competng on equal ground and from all walks of life. Bankers cab drivers, engineers, you name it. We shared many competitive moments and fun on the court and discussions about the game afterwards. We were all friends and shared a close bond. Bernie was a good friend that I will never forget. Mike Fiorentino, Phyllis, Gina, Pierra, Ariana and Christopher.

November 26, 2012

Your ever loving neighbor.
Cedric

November 26, 2012

I've known Bernie via Hughes/Boeing since 1973. He was a one of a kind character who did not fit any of the typical engineer stereotypes. I will miss him deeply.
Mike Schecter

November 26, 2012

What a honorable legacy Bernie left for his family and community.
We were blessed that Bernie and our cousin, Cynthia shared a wonderful life together. We send loving thoughts to comfort each of you.

Rita Barnhardt and Jimmy Dorminy

Murray Thompson

November 26, 2012

Bernie was a mentor and friend to me throughout my career at Hughes and Boeing. He will be remembered as one of the pioneers in geosynchronous orbit control. And he will be missed both as a mentor and a friend.

November 26, 2012

What an impressive article for the fine man that Bernie was. We were blessed that Bernie and our cousin, Cynthia chose to spend their lives together, enjoying family and traveling the world. What a beautiful legacy Bernie left to the many who loved and respected him.

Victoria Raygosa

November 26, 2012

We love you Papa Bernie
Gab-Dan-Tori

Rachel Hudson

November 26, 2012

It is difficult to find the right words in describing Bernie – my second father. There seem to be so few that truly express his character. A man who entered my life as a child-became my stepfather-and an anchor for my mother was truly a blessing. A gentle hearted man with a firm mind. As predictable in his daily routine as the sun rising and setting. A giver of knowledge and heart of gold. A man I will forever respect and love.

“Kid”

Andrew Edwards

November 25, 2012

Bernie was one of the true pioneers of GEO orbit dynamics. He was a great friend and mentor to me in my early years. I am so sorry he is gone. I will always remember his stories and humour. From Sydney, Australia

Betty and John Turner

November 25, 2012

The notice in the L.A. Times today was a fitting tribute for a very smart and witty man we were proud to have in our family. Take care dear cousin and know our prayers are lifting you and the family up.

Sandy Nelson

November 25, 2012

I will miss his smile and the twinkle in his eye. I'm keeping you close in prayer Cindy.
Much love, Sandy

Cyndi Anzel

November 25, 2012

I am going to miss you dear one. We shared so many wonderful years together. You were the love of my life.

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