Memorial service for Richard M. Spriggs scheduled 7/25/07
A memorial service for Dr. Richard M. Spriggs, professor emeritus of ceramic engineering at Alfred University, will be held at 11 a.m. August 13, 2007, at the Union University Church in Alfred. Dr. Spriggs died July 21, 2007, as a result of lung cancer.The first John F. McMahon Professor of Ceramic Engineering, Dr. Spriggs joined the AU faculty in 1987, charged with establishing the New York State Center for Advanced Ceramic Technology (CACT). He served as executive director of the CACT for 10 years, until his retirement in 1997. He was also director of the Office of Sponsored Research for the New York State College of Ceramics during that time. Alfred University colleagues and co-workers remember Dr. Spriggs for his kindness to others."He was the kindest person to ever walk through Alfred University," said Beth Cartella, who was Dr. Spriggs' administrative assistant from his arrival on campus until she left the CACT to take a similar position in the dean's office three years later. "Dick always treated anyone he met, or worked with, with the utmost dignity and respect," recalls Ms. Cartella. "It didn't matter if that person was the CEO of a company, a wait server at a restaurant, or a co-worker. If he heard your name, he remembered your name. He was never too busy for anyone.""Dick was a good friend and mentor during our days together in the CACT," said Dr.
Robert K. Bitting, who, as associate director, worked closely with Dr. Spriggs for 10 years. "He had a great sense of humor (and a great laugh), and always treated people with kindness and respect."Dr. L. David Pye, dean emeritus of the NYS College of Ceramics and president-elect of the American Ceramic Society, not only remembers Dr. Spriggs as the "quintessential gentleman," but also as an "internationally renowned scholar who made major contributions to the advances in ceramics and glass research at Alfred University."His death is mourned by his international colleagues as well. Dr. Alexander Merzhanov, director of the Institute for Structural Macrokinetics and Materials Science
(ISMAN), Russian Academy of Sciences, recalled how much Dr. Spriggs had done for him and his wife, Inna. He particularly recalled Dr. Spriggs' "noble appearance and kindness."Dr. Spriggs received numerous honors and awards for his contributions to ceramic science, technology and education. Additionally, Dr. Pye said, Dr. Spriggs "contributed immeasurably to the growth of the American Ceramic Society." He was a Fellow, Distinguished Life Member and past president of the Society, and even after his retirement, he continued to travel around the world as an ambassador for the Society.Prior to coming to Alfred University, Dr. Spriggs was senior staff officer and staff director of the National Research Council at the National Academy of Sciences. He had also been a professor and then vice president for administration at Lehigh University. He had earlier industrial experience with AVCO and Ferro Corporations, and had served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy. Dr. Spriggs received his B.S. degree in ceramic engineering from The
Pennsylvania State University, and his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees, also in ceramic engineering, from the University of Illinois.Active in many professional and community organizations, Dr. Spriggs most recently served as a member of the board of directors of Alfred Technology Resources, Inc., which operates the Ceramic Corridor Innovation Centers in Alfred and Corning, and the Sugar Hill Development Corporation. He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia (Blaney) Spriggs, and is survived by his present wife, Brenda (Ferrier) Spriggs; three children, Carolyn Muchna (Mark) of Prescott, AZ; Rick Spriggs (Jacki) of Napierville, IL, and Alan Spriggs of Golden, CO, and three
stepchildren, Kristine (Milkeris) Smith (Robbie) of Genesee, PA; Lori Milkeris of Milton, FL, and Joshua Milkeris (Amber) of Fort Walton Beach, FL; seven grandchildren, Jessica (Muchna) Madson (James), Amy, Matthew and Mollie Muchna and Mackenzie, Kelsey and Conor Spriggs; and five step-granchildren, Amber, Tyler, Miri and Bryce Milkeris and Nolen Smith.The family has requested that memorial contributions in Dr. Spriggs' name be made to the American Kidney Foundation or to Community Care of Western New York Hospice Group. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Robertson Funeral Home in Hornell. Condolences may be addressed to the Spriggs' family, 133 N. Main St., Alfred, NY 14802.
