Sanford Kramer ’67

Sandy died Dec. 29, 2023, in Scottsdale, Ariz., his residence since 1979. He died from a condition called bronchiectasis, a birth defect that creates weak lung capacity and progressively worsens over a lifetime. He adapted by working when able, founding his own business to adjust when periods of breathing were difficult.

Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Sandy graduated from Taylor Allderdice High School, where he was a member of student council, math club, and the senior class publicity committee leader. A brilliant student, Sandy was a National Merit Scholar, winner of the Western Pennsylvania Mathematics Society Award, and was a National Science Foundation engineering program selectee. At Princeton, he majored in sociology, was the junior class social chairman for Key and Seal, and was varsity lightweight crew manager and junior crew manager. He roomed at 235 Lockhart.

After graduation, Sandy earned a master’s degree from the University of California, Riverside, in 1972 and a Ph.D. in 1973, both in political science. In April 1976, he married Connie Lee and they began 48 years together.

Sandy’s career included teaching stints in political science at Norton AFB and March AFB in the Los Angeles-Riverside area. He was an instructor at Chapman University and Cal State University, Los Angeles, and was the owner of the American Radio Heritage Institute.

Sandy traveled, visiting 75 countries on six continents, mostly via cruise ships as his health permitted. He wrote fondly about “the best years of his life” at Princeton, studying and attending arts and athletic events. Classmates should read his essay in our 50th-reunion yearbook, a delightful, humorous, and wonderful insight into the personality of one of ’67s most personable and distinguished members.

Sandy is survived by his wife, Connie; sister Harriet; nephew Dean; and niece Janis.