 In 1961, Irving Adler completed his doctorate in mathematics at Columbia University under supervision of Ellis Kolchin.After moving to Vermont, he became the chairman of a committee of Vermont peace organizations that mobilized against atmospheric testing of atomic weapons; led a contingent from southern Vermont to the 1963 March on Washington; and was president of a group called the Vermont-in-Mississippi Corporation that supported civil rights activities in the southern U.S.

Ruth Adler died of cancer in early 1968.Later that year, Irving Adler married Joyce Sparer, a long-time family friend who had been teaching in Guyana.