Robert Joseph Spangle

Robert Joseph (Joe) Spangle passed away on December 14, 2025, in Baltimore, Maryland.

The eldest of five children, Joe was born and raised in Baltimore. He had a great love for his city, and was an avid fan of its hometown teams, the Baltimore Colts, Ravens, Orioles, and University of Maryland Terps. While young he played baseball in a local league, and learned about golf as a caddy before taking up the game himself. He continued to enjoy that sport for his entire life.

While a grade school student at Saints James and John, he served as an altar boy, and continued to have a very strong faith which sustained him throughout his life.

Joe graduated from Baltimore City College before enlisting in the U.S. Navy during the Cold War era. He proudly served on the destroyer USS Samuel B. Roberts stationed out of Norfolk, Virginia. After leaving the Navy, he went on to study at the former Baltimore Junior College, and later pursued a lifelong career in sales. Joe worked for several national corporations before starting his own business.

In 1971 he met his future wife, Irene Ringger, who became his most avid supporter and soulmate for over 52 years of marriage.

Joe was a voracious reader and particularly loved histories and biographies. He was very knowledgeable on a wide range of topics and was great at knowing the answers on Jeopardy, no matter the subject. He was a man of many talents and hobbies. He loved woodworking and building, from major projects like the deck on his home to tables, planters, and bird houses. He had a profound love of music and shared this love with his family and friends. From progressive rock to jazz to the American Songbook, music was a constant backdrop in his home and in his life. He also cherished frequent trips to the beach in Ocean City, Maryland, with his family and friends.

Joe will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, and will forever be held in the hearts of his family who brought him immeasurable joy. Faith, family, and friends were the cornerstones of his life.

He is survived by his beloved wife Irene Elizabeth Spangle; his son James Austin Spangle; daughter Julianne Claire Antonello and her husband Michael; and cherished granddaughter Aliceanna "Ali" Antonello. Joe is also survived by his sisters Karen Warmus (Ed), Missy Spangle Smith (Tim), and Cindy Bollinger (Bill); sister- and brother-in-law Donna and John Easton; sister-in-law Elaine Ringger; and many loving nieces and nephews. Joe was pre-deceased by his daughter Anne Elizabeth Spangle and his sister Nancy Kurrupis.

Services:

Family and friends are welcome on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at St. Joseph Church, 100 Church Lane, Cockeysville, MD 21030.

Visitation with family will be in the church vestibule from 10:00 – 11:00am

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00am.

Interment will be private.

Memorial Donations:

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions in Joe's name either to

Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters

mail a check to

CHKD Philanthropy Office

Attention: The Nuss Center

Post Office Box 2156
Norfolk, VA 23501

or

Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital

501 St. Jude’s Place

Memphis, TN 38105