SPRIGGS, Richard M. (Dick) (Dr.)

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Wednesday, July 25, 2007 Dr. Richard M. Spriggs (Dick) of Alfred, N.Y., passed away Saturday, July 21, 2007, after battling with lung cancer. Dr. Richard M. Spriggs was Professor Emeritus of Ceramic Engineering at the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University. Prior to retiring in 1997, he was the first John F. McMahon Professor of Ceramic Engineering, the Executive Director of the NYS Center for Advanced Ceramic Technology and Director of Sponsored Research Programs at the College. He held BS, MS and PhD decrees in Ceramics and Ceramic Engineering from Penn State and The University of Illinois. Prior to joining the Alfred faculty in 1987, he served as Senior Staff Officer and Staff Director of the National Research Council at the National Academy of Sciences and as Professor and later as Vice President for Administration at Lehigh University. He had earlier industrial experience with AVCO and Ferro Corporations. He also served as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy after his graduation from Penn State. A fellow, past president, and distinguished life member of the American Ceramic Society, he received numerous honors and awards for his contributions to ceramic science, technology and education. He most recently served as a board member of the Ceramics Corridor Innovation Centers (Alfred Technology Resources, Inc.) and Sugar Hill Development Corporation. Dr. Spriggs was widely known over many years as an outstanding ambassador for the American Ceramic Society. He was well-known for his kind and friendly demeanor. He was preceded into death by his wife, Patricia (Blaney) Spriggs and is survived by his present wife, Brenda (Ferrier) Spriggs; three children, Carolyn (Spriggs) Muchna (Mark) of Prescott, Ariz., Rick Spriggs (Jacki) of Naperville, Ill., and Alan Spriggs of Golden, Colo.; and three step-children, Kristine (Milkeris) Smith (Robbie) of Genesee, Pa., Lori Milkeris of Milton, Fla. and Joshua Milkeris (Amber) of Fort Walton Beach, Fla. In addition he is survived by his seven grandchildren, Jessica (Muchna) Madson (James), Amy, Matthew and Mollie Muchna, Mackenzie, Kelsey and Conor Spriggs; and five step-grandchildren, Amber, Tyier, Miri and Bryce Milkeris and Nolen Smith. Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Monday, August 13 at the Union University Church in Alfred. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the American Kidney Foundation or to the Community Care of Western New York Hospice Group. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Robertson Funeral Home, 354 Canisteo Street, Hornell, New York. Information provided by survivors.