Obituary of Bernard Spilka

Bernard Spilka, educator, scholar, mentor and researcher, died on May 23, 2025 with his devoted wife and family by his side.  He is remembered as a giant in the psychology of religion emphasizing empirical thinking.

Born in the Bronx, New York, he joined the Army Air Force in 1945 as a medic.  Bernie obtained his BA from New York University (1949), and PHD from Purdue University (1952).  While at the Combat Crew Training Research Lab at Randolph Field, TX, he met Ellen Spilka, his wife of 71 years.  Bernie began his teaching career as an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Washburn University in Topeka, KS.  By 1958, he was teaching at the University of Denver and became a full professor of psychology in 1961.  During his distinguished career, he was the President of the Rocky Mountain and Colorado Psychological Association (1967-68) and President of American Psychological Assoc, Division 36 (1985).  A highlight of his career was a 3-year grant to study the Oglala Sioux in South Dakota (1967-70).  He was a recipient of the United Methodist Church Scholar/Teacher Award and Distinguished Service Award for Psychology of Religion APA.  His vita shows the numerous independently written reports along with the breadth of collaborations.  He was the author of 16 books and major federal reports, 151 publications, and 239 papers presented at conventions.  Several editions of the Psychology of Religion textbook were published along with Psychology of Prayer, the Scientific Approach, in 2013.

Bernie was a voracious reader with an astonishing memory.  He comfortably insulated the house and himself with bookshelves filled with over 16,000 books.  His specialty was social psychology but his hobby was paleontology... at least the rocks couldn't talk back.  An avid rock hunter, he discovered an Ammonite Devonian shark noted as 360 million years old that now resides in the Museum of Natural History NYC.  Bernie witnessed racism and discrimination up close. Seeing these wrongs formed the basis of his political beliefs.  When asked if he had any regrets, Bernie responded there was not enough time to learn all that he desired.  An exercise enthusiast, he was spinning on his stationary bike daily at age 98.

Bernie is survived by his wife, Ellen, his sons Edward Spilka (Jenny), David Spilka (Marilyn) and daughter Joan Spilka (Ira Goldschmidt), grandchildren Raquel Spilka (Eitan Bernstein), Naomi Spilka (Matt Lindsay), Nathaniel Spilka (Dalia Bauman) and five great grandchildren.

Chapel Service, Feldman Mortuary, Monday May 26th 2025 at 11:00am; Burial to follow at Mt. Nebo Memorial Park. Livestream will be available via the Feldman Mortuary YouTube Channel.

In lieu of flowers, please offer donations to the Bernard Spilka Endowed Scholarship Fund at the University of Denver. Donations may be made online by clicking here; and searching "Bernie Spilka Endowed Scholarship Fund" under "*Giving Priorities".