Jan. 19, 2006--Vivian Z. Klaff, professor emeritus of sociology and director of the Frank and Yetta Chaiken Center for Jewish Studies at the University of Delaware, died on Saturday, Jan. 14.

Specializing in demography, ethnicity and computer education, Dr. Klaff’s research included the social demography of religions, specifically the study of the demographic characteristics of the American Jewish population.

Among his many publications are DEM-LAB: Using Computers to Teach Demography (1992) and a series of newspaper articles on America’s aging population.

A past chair of Hillel at UD, Dr. Klaff was the recipient of many grants and awards and was a member of several professional organizations. His “Winter In Israel” study-abroad trips with colleague Marian Palley, professor of political science and international relations, were popular with students.

Dr. Klaff received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Natal, South Africa, and his doctorate from the University of Wisconsin.

He is survived by his wife, Frankie; his children, Oren, Tamir, Alexandra and Caryn; and grandchildren, Tali and Cale.

Funeral services were private. Shiva was held at Hillel at UD on Jan. 16.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Center for Jewish Studies, University of Delaware, Newark DE 19716.