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10-29-2025 05:41 AM |
For those in the know this is of note. Al Nagler a true pioneer in the science of visual eyepieces has passed. He is the inventor of TeleVue eyepieces'. RIP Al.
Amateur Astronomy Innovator & Icon
It is with heavy hearts that we must inform the astronomical community and the members of RAC of the passing of Al Nagler. On Wednesday October 27th, he died quite suddenly and unexpectedly while working at TeleVue – a firm that he lovingly built, amongst people that he loved – and poetically, with a telescope in hand!
Al was, of course, the trailblazing founder of TeleVue Optics, as well as a senior director of the Rockland Astronomy Club. Since his involvement in the late 70s, he was instrumental in shaping the club into an organization of close to 500 members that continues to inspire people to appreciate astronomy and science, and to learn more about the universe.
Mr. Nagler was a restless and profound optical design talent and pioneer in his field, who revolutionized amateur astronomy with his steady succession of world-class eyepieces, telescopes and accessories. Nagler earned a degree in physics from the City College of New York. During his long successful career, he also provided specialized optics to NASA for the 70s lunar landings among many other accomplishments.
"Astronomy is the most wonderful pursuit," Nagler once said. "If we had more amateur astronomers in the world, we'd solve a lot of fundamental problems. The more people who enjoy and understand our place in the universe, the better our own planet will be. And if I am a Pied Piper in this regard, that's what I want to be."
Everyone loved Al. A gentle, affable, and genuine person, he was always ready to share his enthusiastic smile and quick wit, with a twinkle in his eyes. His son David stated it perfectly, "Al is now among his beloved stars and I'm sure he loves the wide-field view. He will be sorely missed. Remember his legacy, and keep looking up."
Al Nagler is survived by his wife Judi, his son and daughter in law David and Sandy Nagler, his daughter and son in law Meryl and Michael Budnick, his grandchildren, Allison Nagler-Manuel and husband Brian, and Marisa and Hayley Budnick and his great-grand-daughter Thea Manuel. Al was 90 years young.
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