Albert E. Brendel's Obituary
Albert Edward “Al” Brendel, 89, of Clearwater Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully on September 24, 2025, with his three children by his side.
Al was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1936. As an only child, Al enjoyed many activities with his friends and parents. He loved riding the trolley cars and exploring the city. His parents relied upon him to plot out summer vacations, and the family spent many summers on fishing trips in Michigan and Canada. He attended Denby High School, where he met the love of his life, Lois.
Al and Lois were married in 1958 and started a family. While raising their three children, Al attended night school (for nearly a decade), served in the Naval Reserves, and set a foundation for an innovative future.
Al earned his degree in Mechanical Engineering from Wayne State University and furthered his studies at the University of Cincinnati.
Al’s professional career began at General Motors Research Laboratories and the General Electric Jet Engine Division, where he worked on advanced instrumentation and strain gauge measurement. Al became Chief Engineer for Lebow Associates in Troy, Michigan where he pioneered critical strain gauge instrumentation for many applications. Al’s work supported the first Apollo moon landing mission, creating a measurement device used for weighing moon rocks.
In 1976, Al set out on his own to create Sensor Developments Inc. (SDI) He started his company in the basement of the family home in Lake Orion, Michigan. SDI was the culmination of Al’s many years of engineering and design expertise. SDI eventually became a recognized global source for innovative sensing solutions, employing over 70 people at its peak, serving the automotive, aerospace, and industrial sectors. He later served as President of Silver Bell Technical Park, LLC, continuing to support engineering innovation well into retirement.
In retirement, Al and Lois located to Clearwater Beach, Florida and enjoyed the good life; beautiful sunsets, dinner with friends, and visits from their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. They maintained their passion for Detroit sports teams (Red Wings & Lions).
After 59 years of marriage, Al lost the love of his life – Lois Florence (Straight) Brendel in April of 2018.
Al remained in Florida, and continued on with his wide-ranging passions — electronics, computing, cooking, sewing, inventing, and keeping up with the latest in technology — Al embodied a spirit of curiosity and joy. Well into his 80’s he was still inventing, designing and creating imaginative products. Neighbors often saw him on his scooter, exercising in the pool, and sharing his humor with friends, staff, and fellow residents at his Clearwater Beach Condo.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lois. Al is survived by his three children: Kevin (Paulette), Mark (Debbie), and Janeen (Mark); his seven grandchildren: Alex (Linna), Michael, Colleen (Anthony), Jill (Dylan), Christian (Mary), Ryan, and Rylee; and his five great-grandchildren: Wesley, Kelly, Myles, Niko, and Emma.
A private celebration of Al’s life will be held at a later date in Michigan.
The family invites friends and loved ones to remember Al by honoring his lifelong love of innovation, his humor, and his commitment to family and community.
In Lieu of flowers, a simple request: Please remember the good times, keep your sense of humor sharp and witty, and above all – be kind to one another…..
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Share a story where Albert's kindness touched your heart.
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