Mendel Rittenberg '36

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Mendel Rittenberg '36 passed away Sunday, June 21, 2020, seven weeks shy of his 106th birthday.

Born August 8, 1914, in Boyle Heights, Calif., Rittenberg majored in economics. Like many students during the Great Depression, he worked full time, attending school in the morning and working for his father in the afternoon. Although very busy, he made time for his fraternity, Alpha Epsilon Pi, attending several dances and making many friends. He also attended UCLA Football games and recalled watching iconic players, including Jackie Robinson and Kenny Washington.

A lifelong Angeleno, Rittenberg was a veteran, accountant, businessman, volunteer, devoted husband to the late Beatrice and father to the late Charles '64. Described as "a gentle soul, a good man," he was proud of the fact that all of his children graduated from his alma mater.

Rittenberg was featured in UCLA Alumni Affairs' "Celebrating Centenarians" series; view his video interview here.

Determinedly independent, Rittenberg lived on his own until the end. He is survived by his children, Phillip '66, David '68 and Diane '74, his son-in-law, Mark, his brother, Jerry and his sister-in-law, Phyllis. He leaves five granddaughters, Elisabeth (Tony), Jennifer (Jalal), Alison (Jason), Rebecca and Kathryn, and four great-grandchildren, Owen, Evelyn, Peter and Rami.