Paul B. Wittenberg; Retired Film Editor

Paul B. Wittenberg, a longtime film editor who won an Emmy award for his work on “Miami Vice,” has died in Mission Hills. He was 63.

He also was awarded two Golden Reels, awards from the Motion Picture Sound Editors, for automated dialogue replacement, a process of replacing unwanted sounds on film.

Wittenberg, of Valencia, died Sunday of cancer, said his wife, Doris (Dorie) Paley Wittenberg.

Born Jan. 6, 1927, in New York City, Wittenberg served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After graduating from New York University with a bachelor of science degree in engineering, he moved in the 1950s to California, where he worked for the state as a civil engineer.

His interest soon turned to the entertainment industry where he started as an apprentice, splicing and delivering film. He later became a film editor specializing in automated dialogue replacement. During Wittenberg’s 35-year career, he was employed by MGM, 20th Century Fox, Universal Studios and Stephen J. Cannell Productions.

His film and television credits include “Jaws,” “Scarface,” “Hunter” and “21 Jump Street.” In 1984, he was awarded an Emmy for outstanding sound editing. He retired last November.

He is survived by his wife of one year; a son, Jon Wittenberg of Chatsworth; a daughter, Giselle Barnes of Santa Cruz; stepsons Bruce Paley of Miami Beach, and Jonathan and Doug Paley of Suffield, Conn.; a stepdaughter, Elizabeth Paley of Valencia; his mother, Rose Wittenberg of New York City; a sister, Elaine Kaye of New York City; and a granddaughter.

A memorial service is scheduled for 1 p.m. Thursday at Emerson Unitarian Church, 7304 Jordan Ave., Canoga Park. Arrangements are being handled by the Cremation Society of California in Los Angeles. Donations may be made in Wittenberg’s name to the American Cancer Society.