Gordon S. BODEK

BODEK, Gordon S. Gordon Bodek, the only child of Bessie and Harry Bodek, was born in Philadelphia on December 23, 1920, and died in Los Angeles on Friday, September 10, 2010. He earned a full scholarship and worked his way through the University of Pennsylvania, where he was a member of the Mask and Whig Club and played lacrosse. He graduated cum laude in 1942 with a bachelor of Arts and Sciences degree. During WWII, Mr. Bodek served as a U.S. Navy pilot. He held various commands and was awarded The Air Medal and a British Citation for Service as Officer in Charge of a U.S. Navy Squadron detachment on the island of Malta. Mr. Bodek began his business career in 1957, when he joined Bobrick Manufacturing, a small Los Angeles company that manufactured soap dispensers and aircraft parts. He worked his way up from salesman, and in 1970, became President of the Corporation. Under his leadership, the company experienced phenomenal growth and today is a leading manufacturer of international commercial washroom fixtures and accessories. He served on the Board of Directors until his death. The International Sanitary Supply Association honored Mr. Bodek with their Distinguished Service Award for outstanding contributions to the industry. In 1978, Mr. Bodek was appointed Trustee of his beloved alma mater, the University of Pennsylvania. He was a devoted fundraiser, and full-time booster of the University his entire life. In addition to serving as President of The Penn Club of Southern California, Mr. Bodek and his wife, Muriel endowed a university scholarship and in 1986, he received the University's Alumni Award of Merit. Mr Bodek was elected Trustee Emeritus in 1991. Mr. Bodek's numerous philanthropic activities included various religious and cultural organizations. He was a founder of Leo Baeck Temple, on whose board he served for many years. In 1985, the National Conference of Christians and Jews awarded him their Humanitarian Award. Mr. Bodek also served as Vice President of the Los Angeles Natural History Museum Alliance and was Vice Chairman of the budget division of The United Way. He was Director of the Fellows of Contemporary Art and Field Representative of The International Executive Service Corp. Mr. Bodek loved travelling all over the world with his wife, spending time at the beach, horse back riding, hiking and skiing. He was an avid biker, who rode his bike daily until age 85, when he switched to a stationary bike. Throughout his life, his friends admired him for his intelligence, energy, integrity and never-ending enthusiasm. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, who loved his family above all. Mr. Bodek is survived by his wife, Muriel, his son Hanley, his daughters, Marnie and Janna, their husbands, Ed Moss and Jim Harris and his seven grandchildren, Mason, Harry, Emma, Blair, Jake, Will and Kamber. Funeral services will be held on Monday, Sept. 13th at 2:00 p.m. at Hillside Memorial Park, 6001 Centinela Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90045, Tel: 800-576-1994. In lieu of flowers, contibutions may be made to The University of Pennsylvania.