Life, Love, and a Legacy in Psychology

Bernard Spilka, who passed away on May 23, 2025, in Denver, left a lasting mark on the field of psychology. Born in New York City on August 12, 1926, he began his journey by serving in the Army Air Force Medical Corps after World War II. His academic path led him to New York University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1949. He then pursued graduate studies at Purdue University, obtaining a master’s degree in 1950 with research on how groups influence individual judgments, and a PhD in 1952 focused on delayed speech feedback.In 1953, while working at the U. S. Air Force Human Resources Research Center’s Combat Crew Laboratory in Texas, Spilka met and married Ellen Scharlack. Throughout his career, he held leadership roles in numerous psychological associations, championing rigorous scientific methods and challenging vague theories or overgeneralizations. A notable contribution came in 1985 when he, along with Ralph W. Hood Jr. and Richard L. Gorsuch, authored a key text on the revival of psychology of religion; this work continues to be in print under rotating authorship. Spilka’s dedication to clarity and evidence set a high standard for research, earning him respect among peers. His life's work remains a testament to the importance of precise thinking and disciplined inquiry in understanding human behavior.