The family and friends of Dr. Sanford A. Wahl are saddened by his death on February 18 2004. We remember Sandy not only for his intelligence but also for his positive outlook on life and his terrific sense of humor. He excelled at making people happy. He was a loving husband devoted parent nurturing grandparent faithful friend talented educator and self-styled comedian. He lived with Crohn?s disease and cancer but he never complained.

Born in 1930 and raised in Jersey City New Jersey Sandy was active in the Boy Scouts and Red Cross activities throughout his life. Sandy earned his B.A. in Political Science from New York University. At NYU he participated in ROTC and was a Distinguished Military Graduate from the school?s Department of Military Science. He was a member of the National Society of Scabbard & Blade and Kappa Delta Pi.

Sandy?s plans to practice law changed when he was called to serve in the Korean War. He spent two years in Korean and Japan as a 1st Lieutenant in the 180th Army and Infantry Regiment and the 45th Division of the Thunderbirds. He earned honors from the Far East Command School in Logistical Command.

After his honorable discharge in 1953 Sandy continued his pursuits of knowledge and education. He earned his Masters in Education from NYU and began his teaching career in New Jersey. In the mid 1950?s Sandy moved to Long Island where he taught in the West Babylon School District. He continued his studies at NYU earning a PhD in Education. His love for education never eased. He spent many summers participation in continuing education programs.

Sandy met Cynthia Fischer a fellow teacher at West Babylon and the two married in 1958. The Wahls raised 6 children in Bay Shore New York. His children now are attorneys doctors and business executives. Because of the importance that they placed on education he and Cynthia were proud that all of their children earned graduate degrees.

After their nest emptied the Wahls moved to Ormond Beach in 1997. They enjoyed Florida living ? swimming taking cruises and enjoying their retirement. After Cynthia?s death in July 1999 Sandy built a ?new? family for himself in the Ormond Beach community through the group ?Connections? and through volunteer work.

Although retired from teaching since 1992 Sandy volunteered his time nearly every day through AARP?s ?Tax Aide? program and teaching AAA?s ?55 Alive? course as well as through the Ormond Beach Memorial Hospital Auxiliary as a transporter. He joked that he loved ?pushing people around? at the hospital. Many at the hospital remember Sandy for his cheerful nature quick wit and his calming influence on nervous patients.

Sandy?s entire family and many friends gathered to celebrate his birthday in December 2003 so that his grandchildren would remember ?Kimosabe ? as they called him as a happy funny and silly man. He will be remembered and missed.

Sandy is survived by his sons Leland his wife Michele and their 3 children of Los Angeles; Bradley his wife Laura and their children of Atlanta; Andrew his wife Ada and their 2 children of Plainfield IL; daughters Jessica and Valerie of New York City; his brother and sister-in law Donald and Marjorie of Homosassa Florida; in-laws Edwin and Dolores Eckerson and his loving mother-in-law Agnes DiVeto of Holbrook NY. His son Matthew died in February 2001

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Sandy?s name to Hospice of Volusia/Flagler at 555 W. Granada Blvd. H-8 Ormond Beach FL 32174 or to the Crohn?s and Colitis Foundation at CCFA Memorial Gifts 386 Park Ave. South 17th Floor NY NY 10016.

Arrangements are under the careful direction of Ormond Funeral Home. Condolences to the family may be sent via the family guestbook at www.ormondfuneralhome.com.