Mason mourns passing of John Louis Spaldo Jr.

A longtime member of the George Mason University community, John Louis Spaldo Jr., 70, passed away on April 9. He began working at George Mason in 1981 and retired as the associate vice president of university operations in 2008.

Spaldo attended Quincy University in Quincy, Ill., majoring in political science, and in 1975 received his master’s degree in higher education administration from the George Washington University. He also served in the U.S. Army in Korea as an intelligence analyst. He was known for his love of reading, especially history books, and loved spending time with family and friends.

Ronald Carmichael, general manager at Mason’s Freedom Aquatic and Fitness Center, recalled how Spaldo filled in as interim general manager at the center three years ago.

“I had a great deal of respect for him both before he retired and after,” Carmichael said. “Despite having absolutely no prior fitness experience, John did an outstanding job. The Freedom staff and I mourn his passing and will miss him.”

Spaldo is survived by his wife, Debra, and his daughter, Maren. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m.  Friday, April 15 at Greenwich Presbyterian Church, 15305 Vint Hill Road, in Nokesville, Va. A reception will be held immediately afterward at Giuseppe's Italian Restaurant, 15120 Washington St., Haymarket, Va. Interment will be private and at a later date. 

Memorial contributions in Spaldo’s memory may be made to VA Siamese Cat Rescue Center, or Popcorn Park Zoo Animal Rescue & Sanctuary.
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