Harold Bongarten's Obituary
Harold Bongarten, 89, of Tucson, born in Warsaw, Poland on July 16, 1922, died April 2, 2012. The beloved husband of Martha Bongarten, predeceased by Alma Bongarten, devoted father of Randall (Liz), Bruce (Cindy), Karl (Rita) and Elaine (Steve) Mickel. He was a loving grandfather for Dara (David) Morenoff, Megan (Mark) Williams, Sarah (Jason) Brenner and Adam Bongarten, and Allison and Scott Mickel. He was a loving great-grandfather to Isabel and Emelia Williams, and Lilly Morenoff. Harold received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Northeastern University, his Masters of Management from the University of Pittsburgh, and he completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School. Harold was a counter-intelligence specialist in the U. S. Army during WWII, deployed in the European Theater, where he won the Bronze Star. Following the War, he was made Adjutant Mayor of Mannheim, Germany. He then joined the General Electric Company, where he enjoyed a highly successful 37 year career, culminating with the position of General Manager in the Apparatus Services Division. After retiring from GE, Harold developed a consulting business with his wife, Alma, in which they consulted virtually every major American railroad with respect maintenance and labor practices. An active leader in the Tucson community, Harold was President of the Jewish Community Foundation of Southern Arizona, and became a Life Member of that institution. He was a member of the Board and Treasurer of Temple Emanu-el, on the board of Hillel at the University of Arizona, President of Bnai Brith (Sahuaro Lodge), and was named Man of the Year of the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona. Harold was President of the Board of the Direct Care Giver Association, and a director of the Direct Care Giver Institute, Inc. Funeral services were held at Temple Emanu-El Thursday April 5 at 9:30 AM with Rabbi Samuel Cohon officiating. Interment followed in the Temple Emanu-El section of Evergreen Cemetery. Contributions in Harold's name may be made to the Direct Care Giver Association, the Jewish Community Foundation of Southern Arizona, or to Temple Emanu-El. Arrangements by Evergreen Mortuary & Cemetery, N. Oracle Rd. and W. Miracle Mile.
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