RESERVE OFFICER NORMAN "SKIP" SPERBER, DDS
SDPD 1981 - 2003
11/28/1928 - 08/22/2022
THE THIN BLUE LINE
Dr. Sperber served the San Diego Police Historical Association as a Commissioner II from 2000 - 2022
Norman Donald Skip' Sperber November 18, 1928 - August 22, 2022
Petaluma, CA
Norman Donald "Skip" Sperber, age 93, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2022, of natural causes.
He was born on November 18, 1928, in New York City. His childhood was divided between homes in Manhattan and Weston, Connecticut.
He earned undergraduate and dental degrees at Carleton College and New York University, respectively.
Upon graduation from dental school, Skip served in the United States Navy for three years at the Naval Training Center in San Diego.
Following active service, he entered private practice in San Diego, remaining in naval reserves for another decade. He retired in 2007, caring for three or four generations of many families. He served as president of the San Diego County Dental Society from 1974-1975.
In the late 1960s, Skip undertook postgraduate training in forensic odontology, rising to national and international prominence in this field.
Before the era of DNA evidence, bite marks and dental records were the primary means of identifying disaster and crime victims. He led the identification team for the victims of PSA flight 182 in 1978.
Skip enjoyed all aspects of life in San Diego, including Balboa Park, Mission Bay, Point Loma Seafoods, sportfishing, Chargers games, and, most of all, tennis. On any given weekend morning (plus some Wednesday afternoons), he most likely could be found at either Morley Field or the Mission Valley Tennis Club.
He is survived by his daughter Jill of Tiburon, son Jim of San Juan Capistrano, grandchildren Olivia and Jonah, brother Michael of Boston, Massachusetts, and multitudes of extended family and friends.
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