Betzalel Avitzur passed away at home on January 19, 2022, at the age of 96. He received his doctorate in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor in 1959. After completing his Ph.D., he began working at the Scientific Laboratory of Ford Motor Company where he solved a critical safety issue in steering columns (voids that formed during the manufacturing process). He came to Lehigh University in 1964 and served as a professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering until 1995. In 1970, he founded the Institute for Metal Forming (now known as the Loewy Institute) and subsequently became its director.

He was elected a Fellow in The American Society of Mechanical Engineers in 1982 and was the recipient of its "Blackall Machine Tool and Gage Award" in 1988, the "Mordica Memorial Award" in 1996, and became an honorary member of the Japan Society for Technology of Plasticity in 1993. He created numerous inventions over the course of his career including a patent for the seamless can and another for the production of fine wire used in microchips today. He authored several prominent textbooks in his field and conducted and sponsored research on deformation and fracture of metals under grants from the National Science Foundation and others. He traveled extensively across the world as an invited lecturer and visiting professor, was especially fond of Japan, and loved learning about other cultures.

He was a strict vegetarian and avid exerciser and could be found at the kitchen table with a yellow legal pad, sharpened pencils, and erasers, writing equations, and later completing sudokus for nearly every evening of his life. He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Pnina, and their four children, Orly, Amir, Tal, and Ron, and his five grandchildren, Ari, Jonatan, Erica, Daniel, and Alex.

Services: A private memorial service was held. Arrangements by Bachman, Kulik & Reinsmith Funeral Home, Allentown.

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Congregation Keneseth Israel.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Morning Call on Jan. 23, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Betzalel Avitzur

Sponsored by Bachman, Kulik & Reinsmith Funeral Homes, P.C. - Allentown.

7 Entries

Pnina Ari-Gur and Family

December 18, 2022

Dear Pnina and Family,

Our sincere condolences for the passing of Betzalel. May his memory be a blessing.

Pnina Ari-Gur and family

Rabbi Jonathan Blake

May 13, 2022

Dear Pnina,
I was so sorry to hear of your husband's passing. May his memory be a blessing always. You were my teacher about 40 years ago. I have never forgotten you.
With love and sympathy,
Jonathan Blake

Lisa and Jim Mendelson

February 2, 2022

Our deepest sympathy to Mrs. Avitzur and the Avitzur family. May Dr. Avitzur's memory be a blessing to you all.

Silvia Mandler

January 31, 2022

My deepest sympathy to the family. In loving memory of a very special, loved person. He will be missed.

Phyllis Smith

January 23, 2022

Dear Pnini
Sincere sympathy to you and your family on the loss of Bentz.

Richard Way

January 23, 2022

My sympathy to the Avitzur family. RIP Prof. Betz, my MS advisor at Lehigh 1968.

marietta iacocca

January 22, 2022

My deepest sympathy to Pnina and family. A
remarkable man and a life well lived. May he
rest in peace.

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