Frank Wurtzel, beloved husband, father, grandfather and community member, passed away February 5, 2019 in Los Angeles with family and loved ones at his side. Frank battled glioblastoma brain cancer over the last 14 months with incredible fortitude, grace and good humor. In the end, he succumbed to complications from pulmonary disease. Frank was 76 years old.
Frank Wurtzel lead an extraordinary life and touched so many with his compassion, good humor and wise counsel. Born September 8, 1942 in Los Angeles, Frank was first and foremost a family man with deep roots in his native Los Angeles and a strong commitment to serve. An alumnus of UCLA and UCLA Law, US Army veteran, member of the California State Bar, former president and longtime board member of the US Academic Decathlon, member of the Malibu Jewish Center Synagogue and Brentwood Country Club, Frank received many honors but was most happy with his family. He was also a very passionate UCLA Bruins and LA Dodger fan.
A devoted husband to Karen Wurtzel of 52 years, Frank and Karen raised their two sons Mark and Jonathan in Sherman Oaks. Frank and Karen shared their values of learning, travel and social justice and proudly launched their two sons into happy, fulfilling lives. Everywhere Frank went, he helped others and made a difference.
Among the accomplishments in his distinguished career was his service as Captain in the US Army JAG Corp and his role on the US legal team prosecuting the My Lai Massacre. Frank’s service as a lawyer continued after the war and led to a distinguished legal career and leadership positions with Hilton Hotels and Home Savings & Loan. Frank had a strong sense of duty and commitment and was most proud of his service to the US Academic Decathlon as president and longtime board member.
Frank is survived by his wife Karen, his sons Mark and Jonathan, his granddaughter Sydney, his daughter-in-law Stacey Dorf, his son-in-law, Christian Winslow and his brother Stephen Wurtzel.
In Frank’s honor, the family welcomes donations to: Jewish Free Loan Association Titelman Emergency Fund and the United States Academic Decathlon.
