Al Nagler

1935-2025

By Mies Hora with Frank Bifulco, Fellow RAC Board of Directors

The entire astronomical community – but especially his family, friends and colleagues from the Rockland Astronomy Club – suffered a tremendous loss this week with the passing of a beloved father figure, mentor, and special friend, Al Nagler.

A link to the original four founding members of RAC back in 1958, an active member since the 1970s, a Board Member, NEAF advisor and consultant, and friend to all RAC or non-RAC amateur astronomers who had any questions on eyepieces, telescopes, or the heavens. Al’s nickname should have been ‘Mr. Generosity.’

A self described ‘big kid,’ “I just kind of never grew up,” Nagler explained. “And I try to maintain that youthful enthusiasm as much as I can. I try to look at the positive side of things, if at all possible, and hope to engage with people, see where they’re coming from, and see what I can add to their experiences.”

With his wife Judi regularly accompanying him, Al attended most RAC events including SSP, HSP, NEAF, NEAIC, the Annual Dinner, and lectures at RCC. His spreading of the Astronomy Gospel was not limited to RAC events, as Al and Judi made pilgrimages to Stellafane, national and international annual star parties, science and business conventions, and other astronomical gatherings over the years. Al was a revered innovator and astronomy icon far and wide.

Al’s work on behalf of the Gemini and Apollo Missions of the 60s and 70s, and his founding of Tele Vue Optics, are well-known. Suffice it to say that Al was as successful an evangelist for astronomy as he was in assisting NASA in scientific endeavors, and as an optical designer and entrepreneur, creating and building his trailblazing family firm, Tele Vue Optics.

Al’s passing is a loss for RAC and the entire astronomical and scientific community.

Beyond the professional loss, we acknowledge his wonderful family, who, like Al, are longtime friends of RAC. We extend our deepest sympathies to his wife of 64 years, Judi, who helped co-found Tele Vue with her husband; his son David and wife Sandy; daughter Meryl and her husband Michael; and all of Al’s grandchildren and extended family and friends.

Al’s friendship and wisdom can never be replaced. But more importantly… He will never be forgotten.

Until we meet again among the stars, Al…