Deceased August 10, 2023
View alumni profile (log in required)
Read obituary
IN MEMORY
Sandy was the founder, in 1950, of the Zumbyes—the well-known Amherst a cappella group that is still singing strong today. Hundreds of Zumbyes have continued his legacy.
Sandy died Aug. 10, 2023. He loved Amherst as a student and an alumnus; he was an honors student, goalie on the soccer team, first baseman for the baseball team and member of Psi Upsilon.
He followed the Dodgers until they left Brooklyn and New York Giants football all his life. Music remained a lifelong passion also, as he played piano at home and cast his discerning ear on pop and a cappella music.
Sandy grew up in Montclair, N.J., and graduated from The Hill School in Pottstown, Pa., before coming to Amherst.
He went on after graduation to become an officer in the Navy, serving aboard an aircraft carrier.
Then he began a career at the Bank of New York and Kidder, Peabody & Co. and later at Citytrust Bank in Bridgeport, Conn. In nearby Fairfield, Sandy and his first wife, Joan, brought up their children: Jody, Don ’81 and Sara.
Sandy enjoyed a wonderful life with his second wife, saying in the Summer 2023 Amherst magazine, “Agnes’ companionship is priceless.” Their home was in Flower Mound, Texas.
Sandy considered his years at Amherst among the happiest of his life. Countless classmates gave him joy—friends he made while a student, those he got to know at reunions and those he corresponded with while serving as class agent.
We lose loved ones but still have their memories, their impact on countless others and their compassion for those around them. Sandy’s life and influence will live on in many hearts and minds. His music will never be silenced.
Sandy and I were best friends for 80 years. I will miss him terribly.
Reid Spencer ’53