Sanford Abraham Asher
January 16, 2026

SANFORD ABRAHAM ASHER: Born Sane Abram Ascher in 1947 in the Landsberg am Lech Displaced Persons camp to Holocaust survivors Pnina Ascher (Pearl Asher) and Dow Ascher (Leo Asher), lived a life shaped by curiosity, careful thinking, and a deep commitment to understanding the world.

From early on, Sandy was driven by a need to know how things worked. That instinct-persistent, patient, and sometimes stubborn-became the guiding force of his life, informing not only his scientific work but the way he approached ideas, conversations, and people. He believed that questions were worth sitting with, and that clarity was something you earned.

He met his wife, Nancy Day, at the University of California, Berkeley while both were in graduate school. Together they built a life defined by family, partnership, and discovery. Nancy was his life partner, and their marriage was grounded in shared curiosity, respect, a love of adventure and travel, and a genuine enjoyment of one another. They would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in just a few months.

Sandy was the father of three children: Rachel, David, and the late Dianne. He was a loving grandfather to Liv and Nova Silver; David and Karen Asher's children Gregory Asher (Michaun "Bunny" Asher) and Benjamin Asher; and Dianne's children Zachary and Dylan Lescisin. He loved his grandchildren deeply and took great joy in being part of their lives.

He is survived by his brother Rabbi Michael (Robin) Asher, and Michael's children Ash (Erica) and Phillip (Kristin). He was preceded in death by his brother Harvey Asher.

Sanford Asher received his PhD in Chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley, completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard University, and was a Distinguished Professor of Chemistry at the University of Pittsburgh.

Dr. Asher is best known for pioneering ultraviolet (UV) resonance Raman spectroscopy, a laser-based technique for studying the shapes and motions of proteins in aqueous solutions-molecules that control the biological activity of all forms of life. His work also included the development of ultraviolet laser light sources for the detection of explosives to improve military safety, the search for signs of life on Mars, and the study of optical growth conditions for commercial materials. He also studied crystalline colloidal assemblies for use in optical sensing, switching, and displays. Reflecting the breadth of his work, he received funding from a wide range of agencies including the NIH, NSF, ONR, DOD, NASA, and JPL.

Sandy believed curiosity was not a luxury, but a necessity for an interesting and meaningful life. He often reminded students,

"If you are not confused, you are not thinking hard enough."

Many of the students and postdoctoral trainees in his laboratory, as well as new and junior faculty in the department, were inspired by his curiosity, intellect, and adventurous spirit and went on to highly successful academic and industrial careers.

He will be remembered not only for the discoveries he shaped, but for the way he helped others approach the mysteries of life with humility and wonder.

In keeping with his lifelong commitment to science and discovery, Sandy donated his brain to scientific research.

Services at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., 5509 Centre Avenue, Shadyside on Wednesday, January 21 at 12 Noon. No prior visitation. Interment Private. www.schugar.com

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