Keene – Robert Spranz 60, of 824 Styles Brook Road, Jay died Monday April 3, 2006 at his home.
Born on Sept 26, 1945, he was the son of Dr. William and Lucille (Seel) Spranz
He grew up in Oradell, N.J. and after earning a degree in chemistry from Fairleigh Dickenson University; he worked as a chemist for Revlon. Bob was a regular visitor to the Adirondack Park throughout his childhood and he’d fish all night if you’d let him. He was an avid outdoorsman and moved to the Adirondacks full time in the 1970s.
He managed the outdoor ice rink and worked at McDonough’s Valley Hardware Company in Keene as well as the Adirondack Stores in Ray Brook and Lake Placid
He was a respected research assistant at the Atmospheric Science and Research Center on Whiteface Mountain. Always eager to collect early morning samples, he was an enthusiastic crewmate that everyone wanted to work with.
Bob was an ardent steward of the environment who made significant contributions in the 1980s and 1990s to an emerging alternative black fly control method. His work helped define today’s low-impact, biological pesticide protocol While his rigorous scientific methodology and motivated work ethic helped establish the program his eccentric personality and sense of humor kept the town of Keene crew laughing, and in high spirits.
Most at home in the outdoors, he had close relationships with the mountain animals with whom he shared the forest, his porch and picnic table. Bob tended to these neighbors with much care and dedication. His extended family included anything with four legs. Many creatures, both domestic and wild lived contentedly in his company.
At first snow Bob’s annual ritual was to ski the Whiteface Mountain Toll Road to welcome winter. He enjoyed drawing and writing. He was a great lover of books and music and shared this passion with generous gifts for children. His wry wit, creative energy and loyal friendship will be sorely missed.
He is survived by a brother, William and his wife Carol of Oradell, N.J.; a sister, Jill Konrodt of Surfside Beach, S.C.; his former wife, Merry Davis of Peru; and eight nieces and nephews.
Robert was predeceased by an uncle, Dr. John Spranz of Au Sabel Forks.
