Bruno J. Manz

1921 - 2015

Manz, Bruno J.



Dr. Bruno J. Manz passed away with grace and humor at the age of 94 in his bed in Albuquerque on December 6, 2015. Bruno was born in 1921 in Dortmund, Germany to Albrecht and Erna Manz. He studied mathematics and theoretical physics at the University of Mainz. He received his Ph.D. in theoretical physics at the University of Aachen in 1955. In 1957 the U.S. government recruited him as part of the famous "Operation Paperclip," and he fearlessly left his home for the frontiers of the American Space Program. He first worked as a rocket specialist in Huntsville, Alabama, and in 1959 was relocated to Alamogordo, New Mexico where he was employed by the United States Air Force as an Operations Research Analyst.

Bruno's passions were classical music, walking in the beautiful outdoors of New Mexico, political discussions and writing. He wrote over one hundred scholarly articles on scientific subjects, and he wrote one book entitled "A Mind in Prison." Although he cherished his quiet moments, he often lit up rooms as the life of the party with his jokes, snappy conversation, and ability to make friends with any animal in the room!

Bruno is survived by his wife of 62 years, Renate Boerner Manz and their four children: Matthias Manz & wife Perette of Baltimore, Maryland, Bettina Manz Caffrey and husband John of Albuquerque, Susanne Manz of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Julius Manz and wife Jean of Farmington, New Mexico. He is also survived by six fine grandchildren of whom he was immensely proud: Leonard Manz, Matthew Caffrey, Megan Caffrey Rader, Kristina Caffrey, Noah Manz and Josiah Manz. Lastly, he is survived by relatives in Germany: his sister Jutta Stephan and her family, and his beloved brother Dieter's children, Ulrich Manz, Ulrike Manz Thumser, and Thomas Manz.

Bruno was preceded in death by his two brothers Gunter and Dieter, and by his favorite companions, his dogs: Schnapps, Schlumpi I, Onyx, and Schlumpi II.

Bruno's remains have been cremated and a memorial service will take place on December 12, 2015 at 2:00 pm at the home of Bettina and John Caffrey. The family would like to thank Hospice of New Mexico for helping Bruno on his final journey.

Bruno would be the first to encourage all of his friends and family to honor his passing by listening to a beautiful piece of music by Bach, Beethoven, or Schubert, with a glass of good wine in hand, or take a hike in the beauty of his favorite part of Albuquerque, the foothills.