Spero William Valavanis

1952 - 2024

Spero William Valavanis

Oct. 8, 1952 - Jan. 7, 2024

It was a life of love.

Love of family. Love of friends. Love of architecture. Spero William Valavanis was loved deeply and deeply loved. He was also revered for his contribution to architecture; a 47-year career that was guided by his belief that design and architecture can improve lives. Tula and William Valavanis raised Spero and his younger brother Chris in Hammond, IN in the 50's and 60's. Both parents worked hard and instilled in their sons the importance of family. At the age of ten Spero decided he wanted to become an architect. A passion for design that was fostered by Architect Nate Carras, a life-long mentor. Spero would graduate from Hammond High in 1970, and enter the School of Architecture at Ball State University. On January 1, 1976 he was hired by Doug Pierce and Chuck Bone to join Design Organization (D.O.). Both men were his mentors. Spero would become a partner at D.O. in 1981 and eventually its president. He was a creative, innovative and servant leader with a passion for mentoring.

Spero developed regional markets in healthcare and higher education, and a national workplace practice, but he fell in love with Valpo the first day he walked around the Courthouse Square and felt those projects were his Legacy.

In the early 1980's he convinced Political leadership to renovate the Courthouse as a Judicial Center, build a new Administration Center, and relocate City Hall into the old Main Post Office. This would set a foundation of historic buildings and most importantly jobs/people the life blood of a downtown. We have seen this develop with the leadership and hard work of so many since then.

For his last project he designed a state-of-the-art practice facility for the WNBA Seattle Storm with his daughter CEO Alisha. His dream projects.

Spero has dedicated so much of his life giving back. He sat on various boards including the Boys and Girls Club, Greater Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce (chairman), Porter County Community Foundation (chairman), Porter County Youth Service Bureau, Shirley Heinz Land Trust and a Director of the Horizon Community Bank Board since 1988.

Spero would say his greatest joy and pride was his family. "My children are three of the greatest humans I've ever known. I have a unique and intimate relationship with each one - they became my mentors". His son Tharyn (partner Monika), daughter Alexa (grandson Huxlee), and daughter Alisha (fiancée Leslie).

"Huxlee's loving kindness has been an inspiration to me. Knowing future generations are in good hands."

Family was everything to Spero. His greatest friend being his brother Chris. "Liz and Chris have been there for me for everything in my life. They are my North Stars."

But in true Spero fashion he defined family beyond the typical confines. He had his family. His work family. And, his beach family, Nate and Athena, Zack and Ashley. And, of course, his cherished friend, Ed.

But it was in partnership with Alane in recent years that Spero found a new love. " To be so connected to someone. There is joy in every moment together."

Spero danced without reason. He loved without limits. He drank good wine without a special occasion. A day at the beach, tending to his yard, or a meaningful conversation with a loved one was as good as it gets. He cherished the little things in life.

For all who love and were loved by him there is no way to express the impact he made on their lives or the legacy of love he is leaving behind.

Spero William Valavanis.

Meet with the family from 3:00 to 7:00 PM on Tuesday January 16, 2024 at DYKES FUNERAL HOME (2305 Campbell St. Valparaiso, IN 46385)

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to:

Shirly Heinze Land Trust; or Porter County Community Foundation; or Boys and Girls Club, Valparaiso.

Arrangements made by Dykes Funeral Home, 2305 Campbell St. Valparaiso, IN 46385, (219) 462-3125.