Joseph Sprung
Born December 25, 1915, died February 29, 2012
Dr. Joseph A. Sprung, 96, died on February 29, 2012 after a long illness. He was born in Wahpeton, North Dakota on December 25, 1915. After moving to Minneapolis, Minnesota, he earned a B.S., M.S., and, in 1943, a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Minnesota. He then went to work for the GAF Corporation, where he performed classified research for the U.S. government during World War II. After the war, working for GAF as a Research Chemist, he moved first to GAF’s Central Research Laboratory in Easton, Pennsylvania. In 1952, he moved to GAF’s research facility in Binghamton, New York, advancing from Senior Research Specialist in New Process and Emulsion Development, to becoming Manager of Graphic Arts and Emulsion Technology in 1961 and then Associate Director, Research and Development, Photo and Repro Division in 1962. In 1964, Dr. Sprung was honored with the title of Senior Scientist, a rating created, in the words of GAF President Jesse Werner, “to give recognition to chemists, physicists and engineers who have shown exceptional creative ability in their scientific work.”* His efforts to improve photographic film produced several patented advances.
Dr. Sprung was a long-time member of the American Chemical Society. For many years, he was a member of Temple Concord in Binghamton.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Helen (Rochlin), a daughter, Laurel (Lipshutz) and a grandson, Jonathan Lipshutz.
Funeral services will be private. Contributions in his memory should be directed to Temple Concord, 9 Riverside Drive, Binghamton, NY 13905.
Service Information