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It is with deep sorrow and profound love that we announce the passing of Robert Alan Sanford (born Isador Strulovici) beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather who died peacefully on January 12 at the age of 97.
Born on August 11 in Botosani, Romania, Bob, the son of Josef and Tzvia Haya Strulovici (born Suharovici), was a survivor of one of history’s darkest times—the Holocaust. His early years were marked by unimaginable hardship and loss, yet he emerged with a steadfast spirit and an unwavering belief in life, family and hope.
Bob met his beloved wife, Bery, when he was 15 and she was 13. She was visiting her uncle, a prominent doctor in Botosani and Bob was her math tutor. It was love at first sight that lasted 82 years.
After surviving the horrors of the Botosani ghetto, Bob followed Bery and her mother and stepfather to Paris where they were married at the Grand Synagogue of Paris by the Chief Rabbi of Paris. They later emigrated to the United States, where they began a new life together.
Bob arrived in the U.S. as a stateless citizen and was immediately drafted into the Army where he fought in the Korean War. He was awarded several medals for his service in intelligence. When he finished his service, the U.S. was going to make him leave the country, but thanks to the hard work and dedication of Sen. Herbert Lehman of New York, a bill was passed in Congress, named after Bob, that ensured those who served in a time of war were granted citizenship.
Bob graduated from City College of New York in two years and completed his master’s in organic chemistry at Purdue University where their eldest daughter, Desiree, was born.
After working for Procter and Gamble, Bob and Bery moved to Marblehead where he worked for General Electric, developing the fuel cells for the Gemini space program. They had their son, Mark, and their daughter, Brigitte, was born four years later. Bob loved Marblehead.
After leaving GE, Bob started his own company, MEDITECH, in 1969 where his love for medical research, entrepreneurship and inventing came together and continued through 1974. Among his many achievements was the invention of the first electronic thermometer, for which he was awarded several patents.
He then began an import business once trade was open with China. In his late 70s, he taught at Salem State University until he turned 90.
Bob was known for his involvement in Jewish life and Holocaust education. He was a past president of Temple Beth El’s Brotherhood and spoke to students in the Marblehead School District about the Holocaust. He shared his story not to dwell on suffering, but to educate and to honor the memory of those who perished.
He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 77 years, Bery Burdin Sanford, their three children, Desiree (Arye) Gil of Swampscott; Mark (Gabriella) Sanford of Salem; and Brigitte (Thomas) Karns of Marblehead; their eight grandchildren, Rebecca (Rafi) Spiewak of Israel; Dr. Chantal (Dr. Alex Volfovsky) Gil of North Carolina; Jonathan (Stephanie) Gil of Boston; Arielle (Dr. Ian) Kingsbury of Marblehead; Gabrielle and Julia of Germany; Nikolas Karns of New Mexico; Sammy and Camilla Sanford of Salem; and seven great-grandchildren, Judah, Lior, Roie Spiewak of Israel; Benjamin and Maya Volfovsky of North Carolina; and Aliyah and Brooks Kingsbury of Marblehead who will all carry his memory forward with pride and love.
A funeral service was held.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Holocaust Legacy Foundation of Boston, United States Holocaust Museum, Epstein Hillel of the North Shore, the JCC of the North Shore and Congregation Shirat Hayam of the North Shore.
May his memory be a blessing and a source of strength and inspiration to all who knew him.
Services under the direction of Goldman Funeral Chapel, 174 Ferry St., Malden 02148 (goldmanfc.com).
