Remembering Dr. Alfred Herbert Sporer

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We are sad to report that alumnus Dr. Alfred Herbert Sporer (Ph.D. ’56, Trueblood) passed away at the age of 95 on July 30, 2024.

Sporer earned his Ph.D. in chemistry at UCLA in 1956, working with Professor Kenneth Trueblood. Before retiring in 1993, he worked at IBM for 36 years, where he managed an advanced technology group focused on storage and printing technologies and contributed to several important innovations within their research division.

His widow, Ruth Sporer, who attended UCLA as an undergraduate, credits Professor Trueblood for playing a role in her and her husband’s meeting. She fondly shares her memories:

Alfred and Ruth Sporer’s wedding in 1955.

“In the second semester of my freshman year at UCLA in 1954, I took a course, Chemistry 2A for nonscience majors, from Professor Kenneth Trueblood. I had a bet with my father, a chemist by trade, that I would pass the course without asking for his help at any time. When the exam on Avogadro’s Number came, I desperately needed to pass. At the time, I was 17-years-old, fairly young for a freshman, but I remember being determined not to ask my own father for any advice! I had to win the bet.

I needed to talk to Professor Trueblood, but did not understand the concept of office hours. When I went to his office, it was pitch dark, but there was a light on next door, so I knocked there instead. A tall, handsome, graduate student with piercing green eyes answered the door.

Al wasn’t my TA, but he was completing his Ph.D. in chromatography under Professor Trueblood. He asked me how he could help. I said: “I need Dr. Trueblood!” He said, “I can help you!” He did so with grace. As it turned out, he was a gifted teacher, and as he explained the concept, and ran through the formula with me, I felt more confident. As soon as I had my exam returned, with an “A” emblazoned on it, I decided I had to see this wonderful man again and thank him. This time, I knocked on his door. Once again, Al answered and a more interesting conversation ensued. As our talk turned to politics, one of my passions, we immediately began an argument over the presidential election. I found out that he had voted for Eisenhower, which infuriated me. Of course as a liberal democrat, I emphatically began my defense of the late great Adlai Stevenson II.

With the volume of our discussion rising, Professor Trueblood soon came out of his office, and said to us: “Al has to get some work done. You will have to finish this discussion over lunch!” And so we did. That led to more dates beginning that November. Soon we became engaged in April of 1955. And yes, I married him on August 14, 1955. We moved to San Jose, California in 1957 where Al took a job at IBM. He worked there his entire career, and was part of several important innovations in their research division. We had a wonderful life together with our two daughters, sons in-law, four grandchildren and a great grandchild living close by.

Sadly, Al passed away on July 30, 2024. He was exceptional in his wide ranging interests, and had friends of every age. He remained a dedicated UCLA fan and was committed to the entire San Jose community, deeply involved in both the arts, philanthropic endeavors, and his synagogue, Congregation Sinai. He will be dearly missed.”

From The Jewish News of Northern California:

Alfred Herbert Sporer
May 28, 1929–July 30, 2024

On Tuesday, July 30, 2024, Alfred Herbert Sporer, 95, longtime resident of San Jose, California, passed away with his wife and family by his side. Al was born in the Bronx on May 28, 1929, to Clara and Sol Sporer, recent immigrants from Hungary. He graduated from CCNY Phi Beta Kappa and received his Ph.D. in chemistry from UCLA, where he studied chromatography under Dr. Kenneth Trueblood. He married Ruth Aronow in 1955. After accepting a job in the research lab at IBM, they moved to San Jose in 1957. Al worked for IBM his entire career, and was part of several important innovations in their research division.

Al was invested in San Jose’s growth. He was especially devoted to the Jewish community, and to his synagogue, Congregation Sinai. He was deeply involved with his family, and especially devoted to his four grandchildren and great-granddaughter.

Al is survived by his beloved wife, Ruth, of almost 69 years, his two daughters, Amy (Daniel) Schiff and Julie (Stuart) Krigel; his four grandchildren, Rachel Schiff, Frank (Talia) Schiff, Benjamin Krigel and Raphael Krigel, and his great-granddaughter Maya Schiff.

In addition to his immediate family, he will be deeply missed by his niece Laura Stuchinsky (John McManus) and his great-niece Daniela Stuchinsky. He is also lovingly remembered by his sister-in-law, Maureen Ellenberg, his nephews Steve Ellenberg (Susan), Gary Ellenberg (Kris z”l) and great-nephew Zachary Ellenberg (Ruth), his great-nieces Molly, Naava, Lola, Eden Ellenberg, and large extended family and friends. Alfred was predeceased by his sister, Connee Stuchinsky.

Services and Shiva have been held. Donations may be made to Congregation Sinai in San Jose or to any charity if your choice. The support of friends and family during this difficult time has been deeply appreciated.