Bruce E Witzel

Bruce Witzel, 89, beloved father, grandfather and companion, passed away at his residence in Scotch Plains, NJ on Monday March 9, 2026.

Bruce enjoyed a long and distinguished career as an organic chemist. He spent 32 years as a Research Fellow with Merck & Co. in Rahway, where his work helped advance important medicines, including Merck’s anti-inflammatory drug Clinoril (Sulindac), which he synthesized.

Over the course of his career, Bruce was the inventor or co-inventor on 101 United States patents and co-authored more than twenty scientific papers related to treatments for rheumatoid arthritis, immune-suppressive agents, 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, and industrial biocides.

For one year he served as Assistant Director of Regulatory Affairs for Animal Science Research International at Merck, and earlier in his career worked as an organic chemist for the Polaroid Corporation in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In the early 1960s, Bruce also shared his love of chemistry with students as an evening laboratory instructor at Union County College in Cranford.

Bruce was a proud graduate of Wagner College on Staten Island, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. During his time there he was a member of the varsity basketball team and a brother of Delta Nu Fraternity. He later received a Master’s degree in Organic Chemistry from the University of Maryland and pursued additional advanced studies in organic chemistry at Rutgers University’s graduate school in Newark. He was also a longtime member of the American Chemical Society.

Outside the laboratory, Bruce had many passions. He was an avid bridge player and a member of the American Contract Bridge League, achieving the distinguished rank of Diamond Life Master with more than 8,000 masterpoints. He also loved painting in oil and acrylic, completing more than 400 landscapes, still life’s, florals, and handmade greeting cards that he shared with family and friends.

Bruce was endlessly curious and enjoyed reading, especially books on World War II history and the Bible. He also had a knack for technology and was always happy to repair or upgrade computers for friends and family. One of his most cherished projects was creating an extensive Witzel family slideshow—more than 360 slides built from photos and research dating back to the mid-1800s. He proudly carried the presentation on a flash drive in his shirt pocket, ready to share the family’s history with anyone who showed interest.

Above all, Bruce treasured his family. He was deeply involved in his grandchildren’s lives, rarely missing a game or activity, and always cheering them on. He delighted in sending them silly jokes and texts and made sure to celebrate every birthday and holiday. With camera in hand, Bruce was often the one capturing the moments that became lasting family memories.

Predeceased by his daughter Karyn Elaine Witzel and his brother Dr. Erich A. Witzel and wife Jane, he is survived by his former wife Janet DeFiore and husband Ralph, three children: Susan Witzel, Thomas Witzel and his wife Lisa Travaglini, Lauren Stravach and her husband Ed, his son-in-law Jonathan Diaz, eight grandchildren: Juliette Diaz Black and husband Nate, Michael Stravach and wife Caroline, Gabrielle and husband Will Chandler, Matthew and Samantha Stravach, Christopher, Alissa and Rachel Witzel, and great grandchildren Kendall, Charlotte and Bennett.

Bruce is also survived by his best friend and cherished companion of twenty-two years, Liz  Evans. Together they built a life centered on family and friends, Bridge, lively games of charades, dinners out, and a shared love of animals. 

He was predeceased by his beloved cat Cali and is survived by Muffi, who remained a treasured family member.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. Barnabas Hospice, 95 Old Short Hills Rd, West Orange, NJ 07052, or Summit Animal Rescue Assoc (S.A.R.A Inc.) formerly the Summit Animal League, (P.O. Box 124 Berkeley Heights NJ 07922) where he had been a volunteer shortly after retiring from Merck and Co.