Robert Charles Gunzel, age 75, born May 5, 1927 in Los Angeles, died suddenly on March 8, 2003 in Pasadena after a short battle with leukemia. Bob was the son of Adelene and Rudolph Gunzel and a resident of San Marino. He is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, LaVerne Marie; niece, Gretchen Spence of Bonita Springs, Florida and nephew, Rudolph Gunzel III of Bend, Oregon.

Bob attended South Pasadena High School, Pomona College and graduated from the University of California Berkeley with a degree in Business Administration. He served in the United States Navy in World War II. Bob spent his entire professional life as a successful manufactures' representative and sales engineer for RM Gunzel and Company, marketing boilers and heating equipment. His kindly, reliable way won him many friends and awards. He was a man of many interests:  amateur war historian, art collector, orchid grower, salmon fisherman, avid Rotarian, and a lover of classical music. A generous man, Bob supported many charities, orchestras, and historical organizations. Always the raconteur, Bob was fond of war stories, air shows, and afternoons with his many friends. Bob loved his vast library, old airplanes, Beethoven symphonies and fast ships going in harm's way.

Pasadena Star-News, March 15, 2003