Carl Ernest Denzler, 88, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2025, in Bradenton, Florida. Born on September 26, 1936, in Jersey City, New Jersey, Carl led a phenominal life filled with adventure, achievement, and deep personal connections.
Carl's academic pursuits laid the foundation for a distinguished career in civil engineering. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Lafayette College and went on to receive a master's degree from the University of Iowa. While at Lafayette, Carl was a member of ROTC, which led to his service with the Army Corps of Engineers following graduation. During this time, he had the honor of serving as a guard at President John F. Kennedy's inauguration and contributed to the land surveys that would later become the Manassas National Battlefield.
Carl began his professional journey with Anderson and Ballis, Associates. Through dedication and expertise, he rose through the ranks to become a partner and eventually took ownership of the firm, renaming it Anderson and Denzler Associates.
In 1959, Carl married his college sweetheart, Irene. In 1969, they settled in Morristown, New Jersey, where they raised their family. Carl's passion for aviation played a central role during these years-he held a private pilot's license and often flew his family on adventures across the United States in his Piper Cherokee planes, nicknamed Juliet and X-Ray after their call letters. One of Carl and Irene's most memorable journeys was a flight to Alaska to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. He loved the trip planning almost as much as the trips themselves. Geography quizes were often part of family dinners (frequently to the chagrin of his kids!).
Carl was deeply involved in family life-he was always ready to help with math homework or science projects and could be found cheering from the audience at marching band performances, concerts, and handbell events. Influenced by his wife and daughter, he too became a devoted Mets fan. He made sure summers included at least one trip to Shea Stadium where he meticulously kept scorecards during each game.
A lover of animals, Carl often joked that he ranked seventh in command at home-after the kids and pets. Though he was a self-proclaimed "dog person" and Irene preferred cats, they reached a compromise that included one dog and four feline companions. He spoiled all of them. One memorable winter even included living with a Muscovy duck that his son, Bill, found injured.
After Irene's passing, Carl embraced new beginnings with Eleanor. Trading clouds for water, he took up boating before embarking on RV adventures across the country with her. Following Eleanor's passing, Carl entered another meaningful chapter with Julia by his side. Together they continued exploring-traveling across the U.S., cruising oceans, and even venturing to Europe.
Carl had an enduring passion for photography and travel that enriched every stage of his life. He loved sharing photography tips, all of which his daughter Karen still employs on her travels. Whether behind the lens or behind the wheel of an RV, he approached each experience with a unique combination of math, science, curiosity, and fascination.
Carl wasn't without his endearing quirks, including fixing his coffee with exactly 2 drops of milk, putting ketchup on scrambled eggs, and a lifelong refusal to eat cranberries due to a contamination scare in the 1950s.
Those who knew Carl remember him as someone who left an impression wherever he went-with his intelligence, humor, and generous spirit. He lived fully through each chapter of his life and will be deeply missed by all whose lives he touched.
May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him and inspire others to live with such purpose and heart.
Carl is survived by his daughter, Karen Denzler, grandchildren, Matthew and Kristina Denzler, daughter-in-law, Jance Denzler, sister, Helen Burlazzi, brother-in-law, Richard Burlazzi, and companion, Julia Nauman.
Carl is predeceased by his first wife, Irene, second wife, Eleanor, son, William, parents, Arthur and Jesse, and brothers, Arthur and David.
