Eugene Spaziani

1930 - 2016

Eugene Spaziani, 85

Eugene (Gene) Spaziani, 85, of Iowa City, passed away June 30, 2016, at University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics. As per his wish, there will be no service. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

Gene is survived by his wife, Susan; two sons, Andrew of Golden, Colorado, Daniel of Cedar Rapids; step daughter, Kim (Jon) Menges of Cedar Rapids; four granddaughters, Taylor Spaziani, Emily and Annika Menges, Jennifer (Dave) Muniz; former wife, Carol Spaziani; sister, Linda Foreman of California; nieces, Julie Foreman (Jeff) Hayes of Washington, Amanda Foreman of California; sister and brother in laws, Barbara (Whitey) Dreyer of Cedar Rapids, brother and sister in laws, Jeff (Normandy) Paul of California.

Gene was born July 22, 1930 in Detroit, Michigan to Mary and Edward Spaziani. The family moved to southern California in 1939. Gene graduated from Chaffey Union High School in 1948 and Chaffey Junior College in 1950. Gene earned his Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree in Zoology from UCLA, in 1958 he received his PhD in Endocrinology. He conducted a year of post-doctoral work in the Physiology Department of University College, U. of London, as the 1958 Squibb Fellow of the Endocrine Society. In 1959 he accepted a faculty position at the University of Iowa in the Zoology Department (later to become the Biology Department). He was promoted to full Professor, serving as Department Chair. His research and teaching specialty was endocrinology. Upon retirement in 2000, Gene was appointed Director of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Science Education Program at Iowa. Also in emeritus status, Gene published "The Hormone Sourcebook", intended for the general public, and "The History of the Biological Science Departments at the University of Iowa: 1855-2012". He was very active in the University of Iowa Retirees Association, receiving the 2015 - 16 UIRA Volunteer University Service Award.

Gene was active in the Iowa City community serving on the Board of Directors of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Johnson County, Goodwill of the Heartland, and Shelter House. He wrote grants and advocated for the development of the Melrose Ridge apartments at Chatham Oaks, and Fairweather Lodges, permanent housing for veterans with mental illness.

Gene was active in the Johnson County Democratic Party. In 2002 he was given the Pioneer Award in recognition of his decades of service.

Gene joined New Horizons Band, playing clarinet in the Concert Band, Clarinet Quintet, and the Polka Dots. He played Jazz with Spontaneous Combustion.

Gene and Susan enjoyed traveling to Europe, Africa, and Central and South America. His most memorable trips were to Europe with his children and granddaughters.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Diana Spaziani Hassett.

Gene will be greatly missed by his family and his many colleagues and friends.

Memorials may be directed to the New Horizon's Band, NAMI Johnson County, or Shelter House.