John R. Alspach

ALSPACH John R. John R. Alspach, 89, a loving father and generous friend, died Thursday, April 23rd, 2009, in Tampa, where he had lived for many years. John was a native of Toledo and a graduate of the University of Toledo College of Engineering. A professional engineer and surveyor, his public service career included assistant division engineer in the Toledo division of engineering, service-safety director for the city of Maumee, administrative assistant to the Toledo city manager, and Toledo service director. He resigned when he purchased National Survey Service. John returned to public service in 1959, when he was appointed to succeed Guy Nepper as Lucas County engineer. He was appointed Toledo city manager in March, 1960 and served for 18 months, a period when the city grew significantly through annexation. During his career with the city John also played a major role in master planning and construction of Toledo Express Airport. He was Oregon's safety-service director from 1968 until 1970, and in 1971 he took a job in the West Indies as administrative general manager of Bostleman International, Ltd. Afterwards he worked as an engineer in Toledo and Tampa, retiring at 82. John was a Navy veteran of World War II and a lieutenant commander in the U.S. Naval Reserve. He was an avid sailor on Lake Erie and at Sand Lake, where the family enjoyed summers at their cottage. John was preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie R.; his son, George and brother, Robert. Surviving are his wife, Maria; daughter, Pam of Sylvania Township; son, Douglas (Jane) of Washington, D.C., and granddaughter, Sarah. Services will be held in Tampa. Arrangements are pending. The family requests memorial contributions to Parkinson Foundation of Northwest Ohio or to a charity of the donor's choice.