Obituary

Don F. Splittstoesser, emeritus professor in the Department of Food Science and Technology at the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva, died Dec. 23 in Geneva General Hospital after a brief illness. He was 74.

Splittstoesser was internationally recognized as an authority on food microbiology. His research expertise was on bacteria and other microorganisms that cause food-borne diseases of humans.

"Don's expertise was invaluable to processors of fruit and vegetable products, including beverages," said Agricultural Experiment Station Director James Hunter. "His work enabled the industry to produce products free of spoilage organisms and others that cause intestinal illnesses."

Randy Worobo, who succeeded Splittstoesser as the station's food microbiologist, said, "Don was world renowned for his expertise and contribution to the field of mycology as well as the first person to identify Alicyclobacillus as a spoilage bacterium in fruit beverages. He was the editor for several editions of the food microbiology 'bible,' Compendium of Methods for the Microbiological Examination of Foods."

During his career, Splittstoesser wrote approximately 200 scientific and technical papers. He made nearly that many presentations nationally and internationally at industry meetings and training programs and to professional organizations -- wherever the topic was pathogens and spoilage microorganisms associated with fruit and vegetable products.

Splittstoesser was born in Tomah, Wisc., in 1927, and he received a B.S. in agriculture, a M.S. in bacteriology and a Ph.D. in microbiology and biochemistry, all from the University of Wisconsin. After a two-year stint as a first lieutenant in the Army Medical Service Corps, in which he was chief of a serology branch, he came to Cornell as an assistant professor in 1958. He became an associate professor in 1964 and a full professor in 1969. He served as chair of the food science and technology department in Geneva from 1982 until 1989, and was named professor emeritus in 1995.

Splittstoesser held many offices for the American Society of Microbiology, Central New York branch, including secretary-treasurer, president and councilor.

He received numerous honors throughout his career. He was named a fellow of the Institute of Food Technologists in 1984. The American Society of Enology and Viticulture, Eastern Section, gave him its outstanding achievement award in 1991, and he won the William V. Hickey Award from the New York State Association of Milk and Food Sanitarians in 1994.

Splittstoesser is survived by his wife, Clara, and a sister, Ruth Harley Erbs. Contributions may be made to the charity of one's choice.