Nathan Wallenstein

Nathan "Nate" Wallenstein, 84, passed away Thursday, Sept. 30, 2010, at home. He was born in the Bronx, N.Y., in 1926, the only child of Harry and Yetta (Ritter) Wallenstein. He met June in 1953 and they married in 1954. They had 56 wonderful years together and raised five children: Susan Wallenstein (Eduardo Pineda), Robert Wallenstein (Mary), Kathy DiGrazia (Steven), Michael Wallenstein (Eileen) and David Wallenstein (Jeanne); and 10 grandchildren Jackson and Teresa Pineda, Tess and Ross Wallenstein, Alex and Maria DiGrazia, Megan, Trevor and Aidan Dorn-Wallenstein and Myles Wallenstein. Nate raised his family in Monterey Park and retired to Morro Bay in 1986. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1944 and served in World War II. He remembered walking on the streets of Yokohama, Japan, shortly after VJ day. After the War, he worked for the California Department of Transportation, Los Angeles County Flood Control District, Los Angeles County Department of Building and Safety. He then worked for the County Engineers office, where he eventually became an Assistant Division Head and was responsible for about 200 engineers of various specialties. He was a registered Civil and Structural Engineer and attained both licenses before he graduated from UCLA. Nate and his mother, Yetta, built a house together when he was just 21. He also designed and helped construct five more houses for his family, including his home in Morro Bay, which he built himself with the help of his wife, June, and some of his kids. He and June often camped in their tiny trailer with five kids, seven bicycles and three motorcycles - Nate was a master packer. In retirement, Nate and June traveled extensively by motor home around the U.S. and toured numerous countries abroad. He loved country music and the live stage. Together they saw shows and plays throughout the world. They were regular subscribers to both the Performing Arts Center and the SLO Little Theatre. Nate was a member of SLO Bytes computer user group and served for a few years as their newsletter editor. He enjoyed working out at Fitness Works in Morro Bay, especially the senior exercise classes led by Trish and Sandy. Thanks to all his doctors: Drs. Vaughan, Malone, Carlson, Fishman, Collins, E. Hayashi, Doria, and Leopold; and to Marian Hospice, who made his passing at home as comfortable as possible. Special thanks to his caregivers, Crystal, Carmen, and Vivian. A party in his honor will be held at his home from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010. Please call daughter Kathy at (805) 674-6979 for details.