Samuel Bohrer died peacefully with loved ones by his side on Wednesday, July 12 at his home in Mission Viejo. He was born in the Bronx, New York on July 14, 1921. He graduated from Stuyvesant High School, and served in the United States Navy during World War II. In 1949, Samuel graduated from St. Louis University, earning a BS in Geophysics.As an engineer in the aerospace industry for over 30 years, Sam was involved in the research and development of the Apollo and Space Shuttle programs. Samuel and his wife Gloria were instrumental in founding Whittier Beth Shalom Synagogue, and the Whittier Reconstructionist Havurah, which is the longest established community group of its kind in the United States.His family and friends will miss his zest for life, his ongoing quest for learning, his compassion and caring for others, and his wit and sense of humor. Sam enjoyed traveling, camping, photography, tennis, sailing, and connecting with people. His contributions to his community included tutoring public school children in Santa Ana, and volunteering in the Mended Hearts program at the Saddleback Memorial Hospital. A true gentle man, Samuel will be remembered for his generosity of spirit, his always ready smile, his wisdom and integrity, and his unending love and devotion to his family.He is survived by his wife of 56 years Gloria, his children Risa, Robert (Dottie), Ann (Ross), and Sharon (Tony), his grandchildren Rachel, David, Rebecca, and Shira, and loving nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins and extended family.In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations by made in Samuel’s name to the National Parkinson Foundation, Orange County Chapter, 355 Placentia Ave. Suite 302, Newport Beach CA 92663 or Mazon, A Jewish Response to Hunger c/o University Synagogue, 3400 Michelson Drive, Irvine CA 92612.