ALFRED H. SPANO

ALFRED H. SPANO  
Alfred "Al" H. Spano of Derwood, Maryland passed away on March 10, 2016 at the age of 94. He was born in New York City (NYC) to Michele Spano and Crescenza Mele Spano on September 22, 1921. He was preceded in death by his beloved first wife, Herta (nee Wurzburger) Spano in 1972, his parents and a sister, Marie. He is survived by his beloved wife, Edith (nee Velinger) Spano; his son Mark Spano of Alaska; his daughters and sons-in-law, Ellen and Jim Coyle of New Jersey, Karen and Sam Bennett of Idaho, Susan and Keith Maples of Alabama; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; his sister, Terry and many loving cousins, nieces and nephews. He graduated from Queens College in NYC and received an advanced degree in physics from the University of New Mexico. While serving in the Army during World War II, he worked on the Manhattan Project and began a long career in nuclear physics. He was involved in the early development of nuclear safety while working at the Idaho National Lab during the 1950s and 1960s. He worked at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, Austria for seven years, where his work involved the transfer of nuclear technology to developing countries by organizing the exchange of scientific information. He retired in 1989 after 13 years at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in Washington, D.C., where his work entailed setting up international nuclear safety research agreements. Al will be remembered by all who knew him as a Renaissance man. In addition to being a consummate scientist with a never-ending quest for knowledge and understanding, Al painted, carved and created many treasures for his children and grandchildren. He built a telescope to explore the stars. He was an avid reader and lover of music. He was a fun loving explorer of nature and the outdoors. A kind and gentle man with deep compassion for others, he taught his children by example. Dearly loved, he will be forever missed.  Memorial Services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to a charity of choice.