Attorney, Former NASA Administrator Arnold Pazornik Dies at 94

Arnold Pazornik is shown here with his wife of nearly 71 years, Marilyn. (Photo courtesy of Sol Levinson & Bros.)

Arnold Pazornik, a local attorney who worked in the U.S. space program during its early years, passed away on Thursday, Apr. 23.

The Columbia resident was 94.

Born in Baltimore, Pazornik graduated from Baltimore City College. He later earned his law degree from the University of Maryland School of Law.

Pazornik served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps. After his military service, he worked as a contract administrator with National Aeronautics and Space Administration during the Gemini and Apollo space programs of the 1960s and early 1970s

“He played a quiet but meaningful role in humanity’s reach beyond Earth,” his family wrote on the website of Sol Levinson & Bros. “He was later presented with a flag that had traveled to the moon, a symbol not only of that extraordinary chapter but of the pride he took in contributing to something larger than himself.”

Pazornik went on to work for many years at ARINC Research Corp., then based in Annapolis, which is now part of Collins Aerospace. He retired in 1998.

Arnold Pazornik (center) is shown here surrounded by his family.
(Photo courtesy of Sol Levinson & Bros.)

In his spare time, Pazornik enjoyed playing tennis, card games, following sports and reading history books.

“Above all, he was a man deeply rooted in family — steadfast, loving, and present. His life was defined not only by what he accomplished, but by the care he gave, the values he lived by,” posted his family.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 71 years, Marilyn Pazornik (nee Amernick); his children, Richard Pazornik (Bradley Walker), Stacy (Tim) Gorin and Ivye Pazornik; his grandchildren, Stephanie (Yon) Berezin, Melissa Pazornik, Danielle Gorin (Zack Roth), and Madeline Gorin (Dustin Dahan); his great-grandchildren; Charlotte Berezin, Henry Gorin-Roth, and Charlie Gorin-Roth; and his many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his brother, Sheldon Pazornik; his sister-in-law, Celeste Pushkin; his parents, Sylvia and Morris Pazornik; and stepmother, Sophie Pazornik.

Services were held on Sunday, Apr. 26, at 11 a.m. at Sol Levinson’s Chapel, 8900 Reisterstown Road in Pikesville. Interment at Swinicher Woliner Benevolent Association, 6700 Bowleys Lane in Rosedale.

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Contributions in Arnold Pazornik’s memory may be sent to The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore, 5700 Park Heights Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21215; Susan G Komen, DIY — Dept 41829, P.O. Box 801889 Dallas, Texas 75380; or the charity of your choice.

The family will be in mourning at Brightview Columbia, 6670 Martin Road in Columbia.

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