Peter D. Bunzel

1927 - 2015

BORN

1927

DIED

2015

About

Kent School Princeton University

Peter Bunzel Obituary

His family mourns the passing of journalist Peter D. Bunzel, aged 88, on July 20, 2015 in Los Angeles, CA. Peter began his professional career at the (Martha's) Vineyard Gazette, and was later a staff writer at the New Yorker, Entertainment Editor at Life Magazine, Co-Founder, Editor and Publisher of Seattle Magazine (1963 to 1970), Editor of West Magazine and of the Opinion section of the Los Angeles Times (1971 to 1978), and a television critic at the Los Angeles Herald-Examiner where in 1986 he won a major victory for free speech in the California Supreme Court, 42 Cal. 3d 254. Born in 1927 in New York, NY to Harriet Harvey and Ernest Everett Bunzel, Peter attended Allen-Stevenson, the Kent School and Princeton University where he was Editor and Chairman of the Daily Princetonian. In 1952, he married Jane Cole (deceased) and had four children: Cole Bunzel (deceased), Robert H. Bunzel of Oakland, CA, Jeffrey H. Bunzel of New York, NY and John D. Bunzel of Los Angeles, CA. In 1982, Peter married Suzanne Belcher Platt in Los Angeles, CA. Peter was devoted to books, movies, theatre, martinis, politics, freighter trips and family. He is survived by his wife Suzanne, his brother John H. Bunzel of Belmont, CA, his three sons, eight grandchildren and two great grandsons. A celebration of his life for family and friends will be held in September in Los Angeles.

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Published by Los Angeles Times from Jul. 24 to Jul. 26, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Peter Bunzel

Sponsored by anonymous.

11 Entries

Tom Edwards

September 16, 2024

I used to sell Peter computer equipment. He was very intelligent, and caught onto the basics pretty quickly! Sometimes he would have a problem with his computer, bring it in, and it would not behave the way he complained, and he would get frustrated and start yelling. We knew it was all in good spirits and we would all have a good laugh about it. One day he was complaining about losing data on his disk, and since he knew the problem would not be repeated at the store, we offered to go over to his home. You can imagine our shock when he showed us how he stored his disks, with magnets on the fridge! Again, lots of laughing, he got red faced, disappeared, came back as we howled. He was such a fun guy, and we miss him dearly.

Jean Bradford

July 18, 2021

I was Peter's secretary at The Los Angeles Times. We stayed in touch with each other. I miss him!

January 9, 2016

I was Peter's secretary at The Los Angeles Times. We remained friends after our employment at The Times. I was devastated to learn of Peter's passing the new year weekend of 2016. Sue was kind enough to return my telephone call after I did not hear from them in response to my note in a Christmas card. It was good to see Peter, Sue and the Bunzel boys at Jane Bunzel's memorial service. I remember singing Happy Birthday to Jane Bunzel at the luncheon repast. I will miss hearing Peter's laugh. He was a very super intelligent, kind gentleman. God bless the Bunzel family and all of Peter's friends. Jean Bradford of View Park in Los Angeles, CA.

Ruth Kosh

August 4, 2015

We met Peter and Jane almost 60 years ago when they first moved into Brentwood Glen where my late husband, Richard Carter, and I lived with our young son and daughter. We became fast friends as well as being neighbors. Our children were also friends. And how special/individual those Bunzel boys were! We remained close to both Peter and Jane after they divorced, Then later in his life he married Sue Platt whom we also had known. She is delightful, very bright, fun, a gracious hostess and devoted to Peter. They were perfect together and enjoyed a wonderful marriage for many years. I just wish it could have been even longer. It was always fun to be with both of them. And what a joy to hear Peter's special laugh as stories were told or he told them. Peter was so intelligent and a great writer. He also wrote the most beautiful memorial after Richard died which was published in the LA Times and a framed copy hangs on my wall. After I married Howard Kosh we continued our friendship even though we no longer lived in the same town. For me to have Peter and Sue in my life has truly been one of the nicest things that ever happened. Ruth Carter Kosh

Judy Spiegel

July 30, 2015

Sue, I just learned through the Planned Parenthood Guild of your loss. I knew you when I worked at the California Community Foundation. I'm so sorry for your loss. I wish you and your family healing thoughts during this difficult time.

Barbara Gallagher

July 28, 2015

Peter was such a unique man. He had a big infectious laugh, a wonderful sense of humor. He was always interested in your thoughts on everything. I loved being at all the gracious intimate dinner parties he and Sue hosted at their warm and cozy home. Rest in Peace Peter. I am so glad I got to know you. My thoughts are with you Sue, Jeff, Rob and John. With love, Barbara

David and Linda Lillington

July 26, 2015

Our sincere condolences to The Bunzel Family

David Murray

July 26, 2015

Peter was a wonderful man. I have been deeply privileged to know him and his lovely family over the years.

Michael Arlen

July 26, 2015

It had been decades, since I had seen Peter Bunzel, my next door neighbor; whose 4 boys and I grew-up together, during our formative teen years.

Peter was instrumental in my love of media, marketing and advertising. His friend, Ed Platt (the Chief, in the TV show "Get Smart") screened a soon to be released movie at Jane & Peter Bunzel's home. They used my words from the focus group that followed, in a radio commercial for the movie Klute.

It must have been through Devine inspiration, that Peter joined me for lunch 3 weeks ago! He and Mrs Platt, who were now married (their former spouses, deceased), joined me & a group of Pali High alums who met at a school function a week before, at Casa Escobar. Suzanne was there, to see another mom & 2 of "the kids" that her kids knew through school. Peter was just tagging along with his wife. That fact that I new him, brought magic to the lunch! No one wanted to leave, and we spent close to 3 hours at the table!

We had such a good time, explaining how we were all interconnected, recalling funny stories centered around our neighborhood & expressing opinions about policies and political issues.

I was looking forward to enjoying Peter's company again. I feel fortunate to have reconnected with him and to get reacquainted with his wife, Suzanne.

To his surviving sons, I want you to know that Peter was happy, enjoying life...& so very proud of you all.

Rest in peace, Peter. You and your family will long be in our thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely

Michael Arlen

Susan Dietz

July 26, 2015

Dear Bunzel Family,
We will always remember Peter fondly. He made us laugh, he made us think, he made us happy to be in his presence. He will be missed.
Love,
Suzi Dietz and Lenny Beer

Tony Hoyt

July 26, 2015

So sorry to read this! Peter was a great man and, although I haven't seen him in years, I have many happy memories of our times together in Los Angeles. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

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