Obituary of Anthony Leo Gentile

Anthony Gentile, 84, passed away December 26, 2014, at Los Robles Hospital after several years of declining health and finally pneumonia. He lived in Thousand Oaks 53 years. Tony was born in New York City April 23, 1930, to Grace and Leo Gentile. A second-generation Italian-American, he grew up in the Bronx. After graduating from Stuyvesant High School, he received his B.S. in Geology from the City College of New York . Then he enlisted in the United States Air Force and was discharged as a 1st Lieutenant . Next he received his M.S. in Geological Sciences at the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology in June,1957. In Socorro, Tony also met and married Bettie Lynn, of Perry, FL, his wife of 57 years. The next year he studied geochemistry at Pennsylvania State University. In June,1960, he earned his Ph.D. in Thermochemical Mineralogy from Ohio State University. A job at Aerojet Azusa brought them to California. In 1961, Tony was happy to join Hughes Research Laboratories in Malibu where he enjoyed his work in materials research as a member of the technical staff and later as a senior scientist. Tony and Bettie made their home in Thousand Oaks where their sons, David and Michael, were born. After 28 years at HRL, he retired in December, 1989. Tony had been active in a few scientific societies over the years, concentrating on the American Association for Crystal Growth. He became a member shortly after its formation, serving on various committees and in several offices. In 1990, he became the Executive Administrator of AACG, serving the organization in numerous capacities for 10 years. Tony enjoyed traveling while at HRL and continued after retirement. He also grew roses, gardened, and did projects around his home. Tony is survived by his wife Bettie, his sons David, Thousand Oaks, and Michael (Christine), and his grandson Anthony Leo Gentile II, Castle Rock, CO, his older brother Arthur (Gloria), Los Lunas, NM, along with several nieces and nephews. After a private family funeral, he was interred at Oakwood Memorial Park in Chatsworth on December 31,2014. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Befitting his name, Tony was a most gentle person.