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Joseph Lee Spangler

Joseph Lee Spangler, 77, of West Kittanning, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 28, 2020 at UPMC Shadyside in Pittsburgh.

Joseph was born on July 28, 1943 in Kittanning, Pa to William Ralph and Margaret "Dilly" (Tomlinson) Spangler. He grew up with his older siblings Jon and Gaye (Hughes) in Applewold where he honed his "special" sense of humor. He graduated from Kittanning High School in 1961 with a reputation of being a class clown with a big heart.

Following graduation Joe served in the US Navy for three years as a radar man. His time in the service provided him with great stories, the opportunity to travel, and most importantly, the chance meeting of his "girlfriend" of 53 years at a USO dance in Newport, RI. He and Veronica "Ronnie" (Botelho) were married a few months later and a lifelong love story began.

He worked at Eljer in Ford City as a PPT for 42 years, ten of which was spent as a time study rep. his favorite position there though was that of a retiree!

Joe was a member of the Ford City VFW # 4843 and the NRA. His other interests included hunting, target shooting, traveling, watching sports, making up interesting limericks, etc. but his life was truly centered around his family. He was a fun and extremely loving father to son, Eric Spangler (Yolanda) of Hummelstown, and to his daughters, Dawn Ruble (Mark) of Kittanning, Tracy Carlson of Washington, and Julie Lewis (Wes) of Adrian. He later enjoyed years of harassing his nine grandchildren and his six great-grandchildren as well as his many nieces and nephews. He was an expert storyteller and was hilariously quick-witted. His off-color humor always made people laugh and will live on in family stories for years.

Joe was truly the perfect blend of tough and sweet and those of us who knew him best have been left better for having had him in our lives. There are not words to convey the impact that he had on so many. He will be sorely missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife, Ronnie Spangler, who passed away on Feb. 25, 2017; a sister; and an infant brother.

Family and friends will be received from 10 AM until the time of the memorial service at 11 AM on October 3, 2020 at Adrian Community Church of God, 115 Brown Rd, Adrian, with Pastor Edward Walters officiating.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Due to current regulations, all social distancing guidelines will be followed. Guests are respectfully asked to wear a mask or face covering.

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