R. Alfred Saenger

1928 - 2015
R. Alfred Saenger, a resident of the Watermark at East Hill in Southbury, CT, died June 12, 2015 at age 86.

Young Alfred (known as "Lundy") was born on September 5, 1928 and grew up in Brooklyn, NY. While his keyboard talents were evident from a young age, life as a son and grandson of two professional musicians (Alfred H. Saenger and Gustav Saenger) convinced him that there were easier ways to earn a living. After graduation from Erasmus Hall High School he studied physics at New York University, earning a BA in 1950 and a PhD in 1959. He worked on underwater sound projects at Columbia University's Hudson Labs in Dobbs Ferry, NY through the 1960s, and in 1972 moved from the Bronx to Connecticut, where he spent the next two decades as a scientist at the Naval Underwater Systems Center while concurrently serving as organist of the Second Congregational Church (both in New London). He has resided in Southbury since 2009.

Music was his love, second only to his wife, whom he married in 1953. As newlyweds, the couple surprised no one when their first major purchase was a grand piano rather than a car. Musically, Dr. Saenger enjoyed success as a piano accompanist (with his wife at his side, turning the pages) and published composer; he was a skilled improviser at the organ. His impish sense of humor and trademark pronunciation of Johann Sebastian BACHHHHH delighted children of all ages.

Dr. Saenger is survived by his daughters, Katherine Saenger of Ossining, NY and Elizabeth Saenger of NY, NY; their spouses Robert Walkup and Harris Gould; a son-in-law, Alex Greenberg, of Southbury, CT; and five grandchildren. His wife of 49 years, Virginia Roth Saenger, predeceased him in 2003, and his daughter Virginia Greenberg died earlier this year.

A memorial service will be held at the Watermark on Sunday, August 2 at 1 pm; condolences may be emailed to rasaenger@yahoo.com.