Gregory Thomas Spalding

Gregory Thomas Spalding of St. Charles, IL has passed, after a long, unflinching, and obdurate struggle with illness, on June 16th, 2022, at the age of 72, at Delnor Hospital in Geneva, IL. Greg was born on July 31st, 1949 in St. Louis, MO to Walter and Dorothy Spalding. He graduated from the University of Missouri St. Louis, worked for some time in the St. Louis area, and later moved to Chicago, IL. While in Chicago, a serendipitous blind date led him to meeting Laura Joan Hartmann, the love of his life, whom he later wed and had three children with. He was a devoted employee of the U.S. Government throughout his lifetime, working at various points for the U.S. Secret Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, and finally the Environmental Protection Agency. Even after retirement, he continued to serve our country as a consultant and trainer, passing on his knowledge to the next generation of agents. A friend to many and a stranger to absoultely no one, Greg's personality was a force of nature, impossible to be tamed or denied. A loving grandfather, BBQ enthusiast, trivia buff extraordinaire, music lover, fair fisherman, and St. Louis Cardinal fan, Greg lived his life with passion, love, and many, many opinions. Sometimes he was even right. His passing leaves an empty space in many hearts that will be impossible to fill. But the memories of his bluster, his laugh, his naughtiness, his charm, his ability to be absolutely correct when everyone doubted him, his childishness, his bravery, his capacious memory, and his soft, soft heart – these memories of him will never be forgotten.
Greg is survived by his loyal and loving partner, Gail McGeehee; his children, who he loved with every inch of his giant heart, Allison Mangiore, Kevin Spalding, and Christina Arduino; their patient spouses, Michael Mangiore, Sadie Spalding, and John Arduino; his precious grandchildren, Noelia Fonnesbeck, Lincoln Fonnesbeck, Lucy Arduino, Maximilian Mangiore, Adysen Spalding, and Harper Spalding; his cherished brother, Richard Spalding, sister-in-law, Charyl Spalding, and their son, Joshua Spalding; as well as a plethora of dear extended family members and friends. He is predeceased by his beloved wife, Laura Joan Spalding, and his loving parents, Walter and Dorothy Spalding.
Greg's ashes will be laid to rest beside Laura Joan at Blue Point Baptist Cemetery in Effingham, IL on July 2nd. A celebration of his life will follow at 3:00 p.m. at the Hartmann family home on Lake Sara.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Greg's name.
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